By Susan Hornik
Jane Seymour reveals the best tips about dating—and the secret to a relationship's success.
In The WB’s Modern Men, you play a tart British life coach who gives dating advice to three childhood friends who are desperately in need of some guidance. Does anyone in your own life come to you for advice about their romantic relationships?
Well, it would be nice if my daughter did, but she is rather independent! But my divorced friends who are dating again will ask me for feedback, and I’m happy to give them my two cents.
What advice do you give them?
Not to take it all so seriously. To really enjoy the moment and not think about what’s going to happen down the line. I think if you just take it one step at a time, it’s a lot better—no one feels pressured.
Do you think women take dating more seriously than men?
I think so, yes. They’re ready to plan the marriage but have only gone on a few dates! It’s a little crazy!
What have you learned about romantic relationships over the years?
That when it's bad, it's time to go...sometimes it takes a while to learn this lesson, but eventually you really do have to learn it.
You share the Hollywood spotlight with your actor husband, James Keach, who was a producer for the Oscar-nominated Walk The Line. What’s the secret to your relationship’s success?
I think we treat each other as equals. When it’s his turn to shine, I’m always happy to walk beside him. During the pre-Oscar events hoopla this year, for example, I said to myself, “I'm not going out as Jane Seymour tonight. I'm going as a proud wife.” That's a whole different deal. And he is supportive of me, too. That's how we get along so well—there are no egos involved.
What’s the best date the two of you have ever been on?
When he came to Austria to be with me. He had just fallen in love with me. We went into the Austrian Alps and lay in a field of flowers with the snowy mountains behind us. That was an incredible date.
How beautiful…but you’ve probably had a few bad dates as well. Care to reveal your worst?
Sure! I was given the boot—that’s certainly not a good one! I dated someone who, when he came over, told me it was over. We still went out that night, but it was very awkward. That wasn’t very much fun!
Contributing entertainment editor Susan Hornik lives in Los Angeles. ©match.com
