Drew Barrymore is back and dishing out fantastic dating and friendship advice exclusively to Us Weekly readers.
Your questions answered, with love from me to you!
Dear Drew,
I just walked away from a 10-year relationship. How do I dip my toe into the dating pool?
As someone who’s been single for a very long time myself, I hope I can just keep it real with you. Give it time. Enjoy your freedom. Enjoy your friends. Have alone time. Figure out who you are before becoming part of another couple. That said, if you feel inspired to go on some dates, do it. There’s more accessibility to dating than ever, but please get to know who you are before taking on someone else and losing yourself in a relationship.
Xo, Drew
Dear Drew,
Do you have any tips for flirting?
Isn’t it funny? There are so many symbols for being taken — like, back in the ’50s, when couples would be “pinned” — but other than social media’s relationship status labels, how do we let people know we are single and ready to mingle? Flirting, of course! Flirting may feel like a risk, but when you turn on your magnetic personality and pull someone out of their shell, it’s so much fun! Be bold and keep it playful.
Xo, Drew
Dear Drew,
What’s the base of a good friendship?
This is a question I find very important, and the answer for me is honesty. Most of my friends give me a lot of tough love. We’ve known each other for 20 or 30 years, and they want me to be my best and point out whenever I’m not. Not only does this mean they care, but I am honored they take the time. I know not to take it as criticism. I just appreciate how much trust it shows. I also love that my friends and I can lie on the couch in sweatpants and eat takeout and be utterly relaxed. I like traveling with my friends. I like remembering that we are all individuals. I like to surround myself with people I can be completely myself with. I know they have my back. I love to make them proud. And if anyone ever messes with one of my friends, watch out, because I am as loyal as it gets. The most powerful thing about friendship is that it’s an opportunity to stop worrying about what isn’t there and create everything that you want. We’re not always born into a stable family dynamic, but friends can become your family. I live, work, laugh and play with my friends, and they are a constant source of self-improvement. What more can anybody ask for?
Xo, Drew
Dear Drew,
Are long-distance relationships worth it?
Ooooh, I love this question! First, it depends on where you are in life. If you’re looking to settle down and start a family, a long-distance relationship is far trickier. It’s not that it can’t be done, but it would take tremendous planning and being on the same page in order to make it work. If you leave it up to chance, I guarantee heartbreak and resentments. There are multiple scenarios that prove it can work. Take military families, in which one parent is called to work abroad. Many of those families make it work, but it takes clear communication. If done right, a long-distance relationship can be really beautiful. Each individual gets to have their own journey in life, but eventually everybody wants to come home.
Xo, Drew
