Welcome to Love, Lies and Scandals
A blog about romance, regret, and realizing way too late that maybe your ex wasn’t “just misunderstood.”
Hi, I’m The Cynical Romantic—your reluctant guide through the tangled jungle of love, loss, and the occasional bad decision dressed as a soulmate.
This blog was born from the ashes of truly questionable relationships, late-night rewatching of rom-coms, and a deep desire to figure out if love is still worth all the drama, texts that start with “hey,” and situationships that feel like unpaid internships.
Some people find meaning in yoga retreats or therapy.
I started a blog. (I also tried yoga once… it ended in a pulled hamstring and a bruised ego.)
Whether you're here to heal, hate-read, or simply feel better about your own dating history—welcome. There’s plenty of scandal to go around.
This page and blog site will include affiliate links. I only recommend books, products, and services I actually like—or at least find amusing enough to promote. I will keep them as simple links, not annoying in your face. You may see the links in a blog or page notes.
This doesn’t affect your price, but it does help me keep the lights on (and by “lights,” I mostly mean streaming subscriptions and coffee).
Legal bit:
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
If you have questions about the disclaimer—or you just need an excuse to shop online—feel free to reach out. I won’t judge. Unless it’s a $900 throw pillow.
Tell Us Your Story
Have a love story that belongs in a movie… or maybe a courtroom?
Whether it’s heartwarming, heartbreaking, or just slightly humiliating — we want to hear it.
Submit your tales of passion, ghosting, bad timing, great timing, scandal, or sweet second chances.
We might just feature it on the blog (with names changed to protect the guilty... or the overly romantic).
📬 Because love might be messy — but it makes for great content. Submission
“Marriage is a wonderful institution… but who wants to live in an institution?”
In This Edition
DO BETTER. BE BETTER.
Your health and relationships are more connected than you think. Discover how self-care, mental clarity, and emotional intelligence can transform your love life. Read now and start your journey to better love!It all begins with an idea.
Dating with ADHD & OCD is like starring in a romantic comedy—with a touch of psychological thriller. Learn how impulsivity, hyper-focus, and overthinking shape love, plus strategies to make relationships work.
For centuries, ADHD and OCD were misunderstood—blamed on demons, bad parenting, or moral failings. Today, science has caught up, but stigma still lingers. Uncover the fascinating history, cultural myths, and modern breakthroughs in understanding these conditions.
Yet, still hopeFul
These are the stories that keep me believing... against my better judgment.
Not every love story ends with betrayal, ghosting, or someone storming out of a restaurant mid-appetizer.
Here you'll find real stories — quiet miracles, second chances, unexpected reunions, and the kind of love that makes you believe maybe, just maybe... it doesn’t always end in therapy and Spotify break-up playlists.
They’re rare. They’re beautiful.
And honestly, they’re the reason I haven’t deleted this entire blog and moved to a cabin in the woods. Yet.
Part Two: The Beginning: Muriel and Don’s Love Story
thE cYNICAL rOMANTIC
Sure, I may be skeptical about soulmates, destiny, and love at first sight, but deep down, I’m still rooting for a plot twist in my own love story.
This blog? It’s my personal (and often humiliating) journey, unfolding chapter by chapter—from the wide-eyed, joyful romantic I was in the 5th grade to the clueless disaster I became in high school, all the way to the rejected, dejected, but somehow still hopeful version of me today. My goal? To chronicle the highs and lows, the fun and the heartbreak, the “Mr. Cool” moments and the downright embarrassing ones—all while figuring out if there’s a happy ending in store for hopelessly hopeful romantics…and me.
Buckle up. It’s going to be a ride.
At 13, I thought I found the ultimate guide to romance in a mysterious package from my brother. While my friends were actually learning to flirt, I was stuck in “scholarly research.” Years later, I realized reality had a much funnier (and messier) lesson in store.
Reviews from the Heart
Reviews From the Heart – Romance, Rated and Reviewed
Whether you're searching for your next tearjerker, a quirky rom-com, or a drama that hits way too close to home, Reviews From the Heart gives you the scoop with... well, heart.
We rate and review romantic movies, series, books, and even trending relationship content – always with honesty, a touch of humor, and zero tolerance for cheesy tropes (unless they work).
Think of it as your love-life advisory board, powered by popcorn, passion, and just the right amount of cynicism.
🍿 Honest takes. Sharp insights. Spoilers? Maybe. Sass? Always.
Brené Brown’s Atlas of the Heart promised emotional clarity and connection—but could it save my rekindled romance? Spoiler: Not quite. In this witty and insightful book review, I explore the power of emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and why understanding emotions doesn’t always lead to love.
Love Gone Wrong
Stories That Make You Say “Whew, Glad That Wasn’t Me”
Not all fairy tales end with a kiss. Some end in restraining orders, dramatic court trials, or a nationwide scandal.
Love Gone Wrong explores real-life stories of betrayal, manipulation, and heartbreak across centuries. From notorious affairs and hidden marriages to gaslighting, ghosting, and affairs gone criminal, these tales remind us that love doesn’t always play nice.
You’ll laugh, cringe, maybe even cry – and definitely reconsider texting your ex back.
💣 Real stories. Raw emotions. Relatable chaos.
🎙️ Bonus: Some stories adapted for our podcast and social media deep dives.