Married At First Sight expert Paul C Brunson has shared some valuable advice for I’m A Celeb star Sam Thompson to follow after his shock split from Love Island alum Zara McDermott
Married At First Sight expert Paul C Brunson has offered Sam Thompson some wise and valuable dating advice following his split from Love Island star Zara McDermott encouraging him to “take his time” before stepping back into the dating world. The former Made in Chelsea star split from Zara earlier this year and it’s been reported that she’s already moved on with former One Direction heartthrob Louis Tomlinson.
The romance was confirmed as the 28-year-old was spotted enjoying a cosy date with the musician at a hotel in Aldeburgh in Suffolk. A fellow guest spotted the duo tucking into a romantic meal following a string of past dates.
Amid their split, Sam discussed recovering from a relationship on his podcast, Staying Relevant, with special guest Paul. During their chat, Sam asked dating expert Paul how to handle “being given the boot” as he noted how fans noticed how he had “sadness behind his eyes”.
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“I went through a breakup, and everyone keeps saying they can see the sadness behind the eyes,” Sam said. “I’m terrified about where I am going Paul. The way I see it I am a plane and the pilot has passed out in the cockpit and they are like, ‘Does anyone know how to fly a plane?'”
Paul, who is also Tinder’s Global Relationship Insights expert shared his tips on how to move on after a breakup, telling the Mirror : “Take it one step at a time. Don’t rush into anything, start with low-pressure conversations and get comfortable with the idea of dating again.
“Reconnect with yourself and your own interests first – dating shouldn’t feel like a chore but more like an exciting opportunity to make new connections,” he continued before adding: “After a breakup, it’s easy to hold onto old baggage. So, take a moment to reflect on what really matters to you this time around. And remember, your next relationship doesn’t have to look like the last one.”
Paul went on to share that, when it’s time to start dating again, it’s best to “get comfortable with rejection”, explaining that it’s part of the online dating process, if that’s your next move.
“Don’t take it personally, it’s just a small part of finding someone who is right for you. Every ‘no’ you may encounter gets you closer to a ‘yes’, so brush it off and continue your journey on Tinder in making new connections,” he said.
Paul concluded by encouraging new singletons to have fun and focus on enjoyment and connection. “Dating should be fun! Think of it as a new adventure, stay curious,” he ended.
Elsewhere in the Staying Relevant podcast episode, an unusually downbeat Sam said he felt like he had no direction in life since splitting from long-term girlfriend Zara. Paul asked Sam what he had been doing to focus on himself in the wake of his split, he said: “Not much to be honest with you.”
In an apparent swipe at Zara he went on, “I suppose a lot of people look for validation in other people and they look for the other person instantly to fill that hole. I can’t do that.” He added: “I love home, I am a real home body. I love my cats and being around my family and being in my home, I barely ever go out.”
Zara and Sam split after spending Christmas and New Year apart from one another. The pair had tried to work hard on their romance but in the end, they decided to go their separate ways.
“Sam and Zara have ended their relationship. It’s been an incredibly difficult decision for them to part ways, they still care and have a lot of love for each other,” a source had said at the time.
Sam has been open about the support of his family, including next door neighbours and fellow Made In Chelsea castmates Louise Thompson and Ryan Libbey, sharing with The Mirror recently: “One of my biggest comforts, if I’m ever going through a hard time, is my neighbours next door. I live my life at a very fast pace and there’s a lot going on, so when I go to their place it’s just such a family unit and it’s a beautiful place to be.
“Louise is running after Leo, my nephew, and Ryan’s running after Louise – it’s all manic madness, but it’s so warm and cosy and lovely. I’m very, very lucky to have my sister as my neighbour.”