The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WHEN it comes to relationships, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the common problems that couples face. However, those who attended the “The Real Love Tour” got relationship advice and insight into a variety of issues that affect singles seeking love and couples a like.

Renu You – in conjunction with Renu Day Spa in Grand Bahama – teamed up with Tony Gaskins, Jr – one the US’ most sought-after motivational speakers – to host “The Real Love Tour” in the Bahamas.

Mr Gaskins Jr, an author and relationship coach who has appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and TBN’s “The 700 Club”, recently brought his tour to Freeport and Nassau.

“The Real Love Tour” consists of a 60-minute seminar, a 30-minute Q&A, and is currently making stops in cities around the US. Those in attendance at the events in Freeport and Nassau were eager to quiz Mr Gaskins on issues that ranged from infidelity, to communication, to effects of social media on relationships and money matters.

Mr Gaskins touched on areas such as finances, relationships with family members and one’s partner.

Glennett McKinney, founder of Renu You, told Tribune Woman that people received a lot of insightful information that they hope to apply in their personal lives.

“During the event we held in Freeport there was a cocktail reception and the participants got a chance to speak to him before the event started. So he was aware long before of some to the things people wanted to discuss. During the seminar in Nassau, Mr Gaskins did not even get a chance to finish a part of his presentation because attendees were so eager to ask questions,” she said.

As soon as the floor was opened up for questions, those in attendance rushed in to ask Mr Gaskins’ advice on their current situations.

Ms McKinney said the segment also gave confirmation to some couples as to whether or not they were on the right path.

“Basically, the event was toxic free, so people asked questions about how they could tell whether or not a situation was going to improve, whether it was with a family member or friend. Mr Gaskins then talked about how at one point in his life he had to cut off his sister for a period of time,” she said.

“People were trying to figure out how to walk away from something that is negative or whether should they give a situation more time. (Mr Gaskins) said the first time someone does something it is a mistake, the second time they do the same thing it is a choice and the third time it is a habit. So if someone deliberately does a certain thing to you, you have to walk away because when you allow someone to continuously do something and get away with it, whether it be an employer, spouse, friend or relative, and you condition them to do that, it will be hard from them to treat you in a different way. In a case like that it may be best to cut the person off for a period.”

Another hot topic that Mr Gaskins addressed was the issue of social media and online dating.

“There were people at the event who met their spouses or partners on Instagram and they had questions as it relates to that. He gave them signs to tell whether or not someone is sincere or not because it is difficult being able to tell if the person lives in a different area,” Ms McKinney said.

“He also said if a you cannot FaceTime your significant other or Skype them in person an hour a day, then it is best the leave that situation alone. He also talked about a little bit about communication and how a couple should not have an entire conversation on social media because there will be a gap in the communication and it is hard to tell a person’s true feelings that way.”

For Renu You’s first ever event, Ms McKinney said the seminar turned out well and she was happy to positively impact the lives of those who attended.

Next year, she and her team will bring Mr Gaskins back for a relationship and finance seminar.

In the meantime, Ms McKinney said she is doing the final edit on her first book, “Why Women Fail In Relationships”, that is expected to be published next year.

She said people can expect much more wholesome and empowering events in the future from Renu You.

Mr Gaskins quotes on life and relationships are posted daily to his fan pages on social media and have been an inspiration to people everywhere, including Bahamians. Gaskins’ love and relationship advice for women has garnered him a huge following on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

He speaks on various topics, including business, success and self-development. In 2011, he made Under 30 CEO’s ‘Top 50 Most Motivational People on the Web’.

Mr Gaskins is the author of several books, including “What Daddy Never Told His Little Girl”, “Eight Mistakes Women Make in Relationships”, “The Road To Destiny”, “Notebook of Love”, “Mrs Right”, “The New Guy Code”, “CEO of Me”, and “Single Is Not A Curse”.