Author, CEO, and relationship expert Rori Sassoon has changed the lives of many. Her expertise and passion for love have led to successful relationships and marriages.
Spotlight sat down with Sassoon to hear all about her career journey, first date tips, and red flags to look out for! If you need help navigating the season of love, she’s got you covered.
You are an author, CEO, and relationship expert. How did you start your career journey? What sparked your interest in relationships?
The way I started my journey was actually a fluke. I was always into fashion and high-end clothing, and I went to FIT. When I was about 38, I was previously home for 12 years and re-married—thank God—I decided to seek out a life coach. I was at a crossroads and wanted to go back to work. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pursue fashion because I felt that I had to own a boutique.
My life coach was originally meant to help me overcome my anxiety about driving on highways. I was cured in three months. So, I said “Now what/” I knew I wanted to do something but I didn’t know what.
We spoke about my strengths—what I was good at. He came up with what I wanted to do—be a personality profiler! He thought I’d be a great person to create a high-end dating service for single men and women. We wrote two books together and have been doing personality profiles for people going on dating apps ever since!
You have written two books, The Art of The Date and The Art of Marriage. What are some tips you would give to keep a marriage alive? What are the secrets to a happy marriage?
Having a great marriage is about being honest and having respect. If you respect your partner, you won’t do anything to ruin that. You should always show them loyalty, understand their needs, and prioritize putting aside time to spend with them. You can’t have a healthy relationship if you aren’t seeing each other.
You also founded Platinum Piore, a VIP dating service in NYC. Why did you decide to start this service?
When I met my current husband, I felt like I was set up! I went to an appointment with my gynecologist to tell him that I wanted to get off of birth control. He said to me, “Rori, I want to tell you something, but I don’t want you to get offended. I know you’re getting divorced, but I have a really great guy for you.” Ever since then, I’ve wanted to pay it forward. I love love! My job has allowed me to give someone the gift of a great partner.
What has been the most rewarding moment(s) in your career thus far? Why?
The most rewarding moments in my career have really been writing my two books, especially the first one. I bothered my partner about it for so long. We had so much good information and knowledge to share. I wanted to put that information and knowledge out into the world for those who can’t afford life coaches. For me, that was an incredible moment.
Also, being on Good Day New York with Rosana Scotto has been great. It’s made me feel like I am good enough to be on television. I am very proud of this.
Of course, putting people together and knowing that it works has also been very rewarding. A lot of couples are on their 2nd or 3rd rodeo when they sign up for Platinum Piore. I am now friends with one of the couples I’ve set up—they’ve been together for five years now!
What advice would you give to those looking for love in 2024? Do you think dating will be harder in 2024?
Be the person you want to date. If you want someone ambitious, you should be ambitious yourself. Check in with yourself! I would also say to be open-minded. The “app game” has also changed the way people date, but if someone wants to set you up, don’t pass that off so fast!
I think it’s a mindset, if you really want to find a person, you will put out that energy. I want to find my person because I am ready. I feel complete. Two wholes make a whole. Dating in 2024 does not have to be hard at all.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. What are some of your biggest first date tips? Why?
When you’re going on a date with someone, always give them the respect to stay through the entire date. You should always be open-minded and listen to them even if you aren’t feeling it at first. This is why I don’t like when people go for drinks on a first date. When you go on a dinner date, even if you’re not into them at first, they may say something as the night goes on that sparks attraction.
What are some red flags to look out for on a first date?
When the person does not confirm the time and place of the date until the day before—that means it’s not a priority. Also, if it feels like they’re interviewing you or only talking about themself. Interview style/always talking about themselves. I am also a big advocate for safety, especially when it comes to dating apps. If you meet someone on an app, always set up a FaceTime date first to make sure they are who they say they are.
What is the best piece of relationship advice you’ve ever received? Why was it so impactful?
For me and my personality, I have learned to be less reactive. When a situation might seem like it’ll result in something that makes me unhappy, I tend to react. However, I’ve learned to give my partner the benefit of the doubt and not be so reactive. There is no reason to start a world war! When you’re patient, you can work through problems more effectively.
What is the most important relationship in your life? Why?
Priority #1 is my husband. Without him, I could not run my family. My husband takes care of the infrastructure of the family. Everyone in the relationship has their own role to play, and in my opinion, that makes for a successful family and happy marriage. When you really love someone, you know how to respect them!
What can we expect from you in 2024?
I am doing an event on January 25th with Margaret Josephs from The Real Housewives of New Jersey in Palm Beach. We’ll be talking all about relationships and gossip! Also, there might be a third book coming out this year.
