Growing up, I didn’t have to contend with my dad scaring off would-be suitors with a rifle on our doorstep. It was much worse. My dads a love expert. Dr. Ted L. Huston wrote the book (and several research papers) on how and why intimate relationships change over time.

Lucky for me (and despite my teenage angst), things seem to have worked out alright. I’ve been married for six years, and I have a career I love, too. I guess Dad must have been a good influence after all.

In my own research, I’ve found that doing voiceover for products or companies I love makes the work easier. Like the recent national spot I did for World Vision, an organization that helps children have simple things we take for granted. It was easy to connect to the script because it was one of those special jobs that was close to my heart.

So what did my dad find in his 15-year longitudinal study of marriage? Of the 168 couples he studied, it wasn’t conflict that was the greatest predictor of divorce. It was the loss of love and affection. In other words, connection was the most important factor. The more love you give, the stronger your relationship is over time.

But be warned: My dad also found that our culture helps reinforce the myth of storybook romance, setting us up with unrealistic expectations around relationships. But it is Valentine’s Day after all, so I hope you enjoy this list of the 10 Cheesiest Love Songs Ever Written. Listen at your own risk.

  1. There’ll Be Sad Songs (to Make You Cry) – Billy Ocean
  2. You’re the Inspiration – Chicago
  3. You Light Up My Life – Debby Boone
  4. All Out of Love – Air Supply
  5. Hello – Lionel Richie
  6. Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
  7. Close To You – The Carpenters
  8. More Than Words – Extreme
  9. Your Body Is a Wonderland – John Mayer
  10. I’ll Be There for You – Bon Jovi

Did your favorite sappy song not make it on the list?  Please share in the comments below.  I’ll add it to my playlist!


Who’s the inspiration? You, that’s who!

To my clients and agents… I ♥ you. Thank you so much for making it possible for me to do what I love every day!  Happy Valentine’s Day!