From 'Million Dollar Matchmaker' to 'My Father, Die', Candace Smith talks dating

The beautiful and talented
Candace Smith.
(Photo by Kelly Fajack)
Candace Smith first made her television appearance in 2003 when she represented Ohio in the Miss USA pageant. As one of Barker's beauties on the hit game show Price is Right, Smith went on to do bigger things, making appearances in both television and in film. Then, in 2014, Smith made an appearance on the 8th season of Millionaire Matchmaker as the director of recruiting working with Patti Stanger, star and producer of the show. As her career continues to evolve with Million Dollar Matchmaker, the beautiful star has appeared in Pierce Brosnan's feature film My Father, Die which was released earlier this year. It's been quite a while since I spoke with Smith and recently, I had the opportunity catch up with her about the hit reality series Million Dollar Matchmaker, dating and her latest feature film, My Father, Die. Here is what she had to tell me...

(Q) Hello Candace. How are you? It is so great to speak with you again. What have you been up to since we last spoke?

C.S: Thank you for asking! I have been absolutely amazing, but insanely busy. I have a new TV show and a feature film both premiering this year, which is such a blessing. Patti Stanger and I are back for “Million Dollar Matchmaker” premiering July 8th on WE tv. It’s a brand new show with a fresh concept that will be must-see Summer TV. I’m most excited about starring in the feature film, My Father, Die, which will hit theaters at the end of the year. I play Nana, the heroine of this gritty action thriller set in the South. I had the opportunity to perform many of my own stunts and work with fire arms which is a tomboy’s dream come true.

(Q) Million Dollar Matchmaker is one of the hottest reality shows on television. Your role on the show has been outstanding. Is it true that you are going to have a bigger role this season?

C.S: Yes it’s true and “Million Dollar Matchmaker” will undoubtedly be a summer hit! The show has a fresh concept which allowed for my role to be expanded in our new Southern Californian office. I am beyond grateful to Patti, WE tv and Thinkfactory Media for trusting me with the bigger role. I essentially run the new office, but some of your favorite matchmakers will make appearances. “Million Dollar Matchmaker” will take you on a roller coaster ride with nonstop laughs, emotional breakthroughs and drama.

(Q) Is it true that if you love yourself, you can rely less on others to love you? Is there really a golden rule to finding your true love?

C.S: Yes, it is true and actually self-love is the most important lesson I teach my clients. I wouldn’t say it’s so much about relying on others, but more about not looking to others for affirmation in life. It’s important to invest your energy into being the best you mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically outside of a relationship. A relationship can easily become toxic when someone is looking to his or her partner to fill a void. Your partner should be the cherry on top of your already amazing life sundae.

The golden rule to finding true love is simply to be willing to do the work and make the necessary changes in your life to achieve your goal. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. This applies to your love life as well. Most likely, if you have decided you are now willing to settle down with a life partner, there are changes you need to make in your lifestyle in order to prepare. It could be changes professionally, socially and even spiritually. All great things in life require sacrifice and work.

(Q) It seems that a lot of love today is short-lived. Is it because most people feel like they are in love, but really are not? What do you think is the main reason a lot of relationships never last?

C.S: I feel a lot of relationships are short-lived in today’s society primarily because of technology, specifically social media. Most people have a lack of attention span and are constantly looking for the bigger and better deal. People are literally shopping for partners on dating apps in the same manner they would shop for groceries so the sad reality is many relationships are superficial. Instead of taking the time to truly get to know someone and work through the growing pains, many people move on when it gets a little tough. So a solid foundation is not established and the love does not last.

(Q) As we Spring into Summer, a lot of people are traveling as they are also enjoying the weather and the time off. For all of those people reading this interview, what advice do you have for them when it comes to dating this Summer?

C.S: When dating during the Summer, there is always more of a significance placed on the physical because people are in swim wear and revealing clothes. My biggest advice is not to get caught up in the physical unless all you want is a Summer fling. Also, be open to the Universe because love knows no geography. I met my man while vacationing in Honolulu and a year later I’m in an amazing relationship resulting in me splitting my time between Los Angeles and Honolulu. So you never know!

(Q) What are three things you should never ask on a first date?

C.S: On a first date I think you should avoid questions about someone’s financial status, religious beliefs and political views. It’s too soon to discuss topics that can result in strong judgment. The goal should be to establish a genuine friendship first.

(Q) You offer great advice when it comes to relationships and dating. I have to ask, Candace, if you could share one important dating tip, what would it be? Why is it important?

C.S: I truly appreciate that and like to believe I follow my own advice. A very important dating tip is to be as authentic to your true self as possible on a date. Allow the other person to meet the real you, not who you think this person would be attracted to. Many failed relationships begin with both people attempting to put their best foot forward but failing to reveal their true selves. We must all remember none of us are perfect and we are all flawed. However, that does not diminish our value and what we contribute to a relationship. Over time, your authentic self will be revealed. So why not allow that person to meet the true self from the very beginning?

(Q) If you could go on a date with anyone living or deceased, who would you go on a date with and why?

C.S: Of course I would go on a date with my man, but if I were single I would want to go on a date with Viggo Mortensen. I have been a huge fan of many of his independent films but I’m more drawn to his artistic, low-key nature. I had the opportunity to meet him and it was refreshing to find him so humble and grounded.

(Q) Describe your perfect date...

C.S: My perfect date evolves around amazing wine and food. I live for food, love to cook and explore new restaurants. I find a superb meal to be an aphrodisiac and allows two people to connect versus a movie. My perfect date is a very slow meal coursed out with stimulating conversation and laughter. The end of the night would most definitely involve live music, which I can’t get enough of in Hawaii along with some slow dancing. People have forgotten all about old school romance. It is really doesn’t take much if you are willing to turn your phone off, be open, positive and put forth effort to bring happiness to someone else.

Catch up with Candace on the hit reality series Million Dollar Matchmaker. The new season premieres Friday, July 8, 2016. Check your local cable listings for specific times and other info. For additional information visit Candace Smith's official site today.

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