By Lori Bizzoco
Can’t get enough of Patti Stanger and her millionaires? Here at Cupid’s Pulse, we can’t either. That’s why we were excited to talk to her about the upcoming premiere of The Millionaire Matchmaker.
This season, Patti and her team (Chief Operating Officer, Destin Pfaff, and his fiancée, Vice President of Matchmaking, Rachel Federoff), are back in her hometown of Los Angeles, ready to put their matchmaking skills to work to find love for those millionaires and one millionairess. Newly-single and ready to step out into the dating world again, Patti not only is looking for love for her clients this season, but she is also on the prowl herself, looking for her very own “Mr. Right.”
That’s right! Patti is back and she’s skinnier, nicer and single as ever! Cupid’s Pulse participated in a recent media conference call where Patti offered some words of wisdom and insight on what we can expect to see this season:
This season, you’re going to be featured on dates. Can you tell us about your experience?
Yes. In the 13th episode, I actually date and do the mixer process. It was the scariest time of my life. When I’m dating, I am a totally different Patti. I’m soft, subdued, and submissive – completely different than business Patti. My ex used to ask, “Can we switch the business mode off and go back to sweet Patti?” My show-runner turned to me one day and said, “No one is going to believe you. They are going to think you are acting.” I’m very quiet when I date – that’s just how I am.
Related: Find Out Why You’re Single
Is there something now you realize about dating on-camera that you didn’t before?
Yes. I’ve realized that I usually tend to date down. I’ve never dated a rich guy. This guy I met on the show is probably one of the richest guys that I’ve dated, and he isn’t even that rich. I think I would like to date a millionaire, but I think it would be nice if I did it off-camera. I’d like to date someone who makes equal or more money than me and romances me that way, but I haven’t met anyone like that. I would still have to be sexually attracted to them. One question on my application is: “Would you rather have looks or money?” I’m a looks-person, whereas a money-person is someone who doesn’t care about that. The reason that I say that is, getting looks and money together is really hard to find. It is never easy, especially at my age.
What are your thoughts about having a baby?
I would not have a baby without a man. It’s not that I couldn’t, but I wouldn’t feel comfortable. I am adopted, and my mom was married three times. I had a lot of issues with that. I’ve wanted a kid forever, and I’ve wanted to adopt, but I want to have a partner when I do it.
How did guest stars Jenny McCarthy, Tori Spelling, and Perez Hilton impact your show this season?
Jenny is one of my closest friends. Actually, she was one of my first famous friends. She comes on the show to help a guy who is kind of a nerd in Silicon Valley find his sex appeal and figure out what to say on a date.
Tori is on the second episode. We have a multi-millionaire who believes that when you’re pregnant, you have to stop working and never work again. He doesn’t think that you can do both at the same time. So I wanted to show him that Tori didn’t live off her family’s money. She built her own career, and she didn’t marry rich. Tori proves that you can work and also have babies – and chickens too (she has an animal farm in her house)!
I really wanted Perez to date, but he didn’t want to do it on camera, so we met at his house. He is adorable and lost all that weight, so he looks hot and happening. He actually interviewed me for his online show and asked a lot of personal questions. He really has an ear for music and has been my source of music inspiration. It is going to be really fun – he is a really good interviewer, and a different person these days. Since he lost the weight, he is nicer. I think that’s what happened to both of us – we both lost weight, and now we are nicer. At least, that’s what people tell me. You tell me when you watch – do I still have the bitch in me?
Related: Tori Spelling Calls Dean McDermott Her Soul Mate
Last season, we interviewed Millionairess Beth Shak. She ended up surprising us all by bringing her “gay husband” on the date with her. What shockers can we expect to see this season?
We only have one millionairess this season. I wanted more, but Bravo didn’t want it. They had a nightmare with the women last season. But, we do have one woman who is British and owns a stripping facility. She probably makes Shawna look sane. When you see this girl, you’ll have to tell me what you think. I give her the most amazing guy, and she doesn’t see it.
Are there any celebrities out there who you’d like to help find love?
Well, I probably would put George Clooney in boot camp with Tiger Woods, Jesse James, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Although, I think George is a serial monogamous. He dates someone for two years, and then gives his woman a parting gift. He is like Simon Cowell – you get cash and a car. He is not as bad as Tiger, Jesse, and Arnold though. They are in a world of their own.
Other than that, I would probably want to help Sandra Bullock, because I feel so bad for her. I would set her up with someone outside of Hollywood.
In fact, there are a lot of girls in Hollywood that need to look for love off of the red carpet. J. Lo is going to be one of them. It’s like I’ve said: no Hollywood husband is safe. She needs an entrepreneur, who lets her shine on the carpet; who has way more money that she does, like billionaire status; who gives her the world, but lets her walk the carpet alone. Because her life with Marc Anthony was like they were competing in the boardroom and in the bedroom. It’s never going to work. I knew it wouldn’t work. I mean, she was literally unengaged to Ben Affleck for five minutes, and then went straight to Marc Anthony and married him a week later. It was ridiculous.
What are your thoughts on Jennifer Aniston?
We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. But, the guy she is with now is pretty good for her. He produces and writes major movies, and he acts. He is a triple-play for her, which is a good fit for her right now. I’m hoping that they work out. And I hope his Ex finds someone, but if not, she can give me a call.
What advice would you give to singles in New York City based on your experience last season?
The problem is that there are five women to one guy and the men in NYC know that they have the power, whereas in LA, it is much closer to 50/50. For women, it is a terrible thing to be in a city where you feel like you don’t have power. Eventually, they get bitter. So one of the rules I would say to single girls in NYC is keep your appearances up – look good, hit the gym, put some lipstick on – and then be nice to the men. They might notice you more if you are sweet and not bitter towards them.
If you could share five tough dating rules that everyone should live by, what would they be?
1) TMI – too much information.
2) Two-drink maximum. Women tend to share too much information when they drink too much, and then the guy gets scared…and they are no longer dating.
3) Let the man lead, and if you are the man, lead!
4) No sex before monogamy is my fourth rule. Obviously, this one is a major rule. If you sleep with him too soon, you may feel like you are in love, even if he is a loser.
5) My last rule would probably be that if you’re dating, but nothing is working for you, don’t fret. The right man or woman is probably just around the corner. It’s usually those down times that you have to give in to. Once you give in to it, the phone will start ringing. I learned that lesson the hard way.
Or, if you’re still in doubt, refer to what the matchmaker often says, “It’s all in the kiss!”
Keep your eye out for the Season Premiere of BRAVO’s The Millionaire Matchmaker 5, Monday 8/15 @ 9/8c
Connect With Cupid...
