Falling in love again after a failed marriage is difficult. And even the search is tough, as Niclas Castello reveals after his separation from Sylvie Meis.
According to him, it is partly due to his ex-partner’s fame. Since the two tied the knot in 2020, the painter Castello, whose real name is Norbert Zerbs, has suddenly been in the spotlight.
“Before, of course, it was much easier to get to know someone. Now you have to be careful what you write, how you express yourself, because it could possibly be used against you. And that makes things very difficult,” says Castello. “Above all, you don’t know when you get various inquiries: Who is behind it? Is it really a person or is it someone pretending to be someone else?”
Castello tried it. At the beginning of the summer he was said to be having an affair with US TV star Bethenny Frankel (54). In August, Castello said he was dating New York journalist Anna Rothschild. This relationship didn’t last either. When Carmen Geiss asked whether he was single, the painter replied: “Right.”
Is Sylvie Meis still standing in his way despite the separation? “For me, she is the most beautiful woman in the entire universe,” says Castello, adding: “We are divorced, that’s true. But we are very good friends.” While the artist continues to search for love, Meis has already found it. The presenter has been in a relationship with entrepreneur Patrick Gruhn, who is 13 years her junior, since August.
Title: Navigating the Turbulent Waters of Love After Loss: An Interview with Relationship Expert Dr. Emma Hart
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emma Hart, a renowned relationship expert and therapist, who will help us explore the challenges of falling in love again after a failed marriage. Recently, we heard about Niclas Castello’s candid reflections on his experience after separating from Sylvie Meis. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hart.
Dr. Emma Hart: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss such an important topic.
Time.news Editor: Niclas Castello has been quite open about his struggles since the end of his marriage. Based on your experience, why do you think it’s particularly difficult for individuals like him to find love again?
Dr. Emma Hart: It’s common for anyone exiting a long-term relationship or marriage—especially one that may have had public scrutiny—to experience various emotional hurdles. The feelings of loss, disappointment, or even failure can come rushing back. For someone like Niclas, he may be dealing with the pressure of public perception on top of his personal challenges.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. What are the most significant emotional barriers that people face when trying to put themselves back out there?
Dr. Emma Hart: There are several key barriers. First, there’s the fear of vulnerability. After a painful breakup, many people build emotional walls to protect themselves, which can hinder genuine connections. Additionally, trust issues can emerge; previous betrayals may lead to doubts about a new partner’s intentions. Lastly, there’s often a lingering sense of comparison, with individuals measuring potential partners against their former spouse or prior relationship experiences.
Time.news Editor: So, how can someone like Niclas, or anyone in a similar situation, begin to overcome these hurdles?
Dr. Emma Hart: The first step is self-reflection—understanding what went wrong in the previous marriage and taking time to heal. It’s crucial to engage in activities that boost self-esteem and foster personal growth. Moreover, seeking support from friends, family, or even a therapist can be invaluable. When they’re ready, they should approach dating with an open mind and heart, focusing on being present and authentic rather than worrying about past mistakes.
Time.news Editor: That’s really insightful. Now, given the public nature of Castello’s journey, how can someone maintain their personal boundaries while being in the spotlight?
Dr. Emma Hart: It can be extremely challenging. Public figures often face heightened scrutiny, which adds pressure to conform or present a certain image. It’s essential for them to set clear boundaries around their personal life—perhaps by choosing privacy when it comes to dating or being selective about what they share online. Surrounding themselves with trusted friends and loved ones who understand their journey can help them navigate the complexities of public perception.
Time.news Editor: Great points. Lastly, is there any advice you would give to someone considering love again after a painful breakup?
Dr. Emma Hart: Absolutely! Take your time. There’s no rush to jump into another relationship. Ensure you’re in a good place emotionally before seeking a partner. When you do start dating again, be honest about your feelings and expectations with potential partners. Communication is key. And most importantly, remind yourself that it’s okay to fail—love is often about learning and growing, not just finding a perfect match.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hart. Your insights are incredibly valuable for anyone navigating the complexities of love after loss.
Dr. Emma Hart: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital conversation, and I’m glad we could share this dialogue today.
Time.news Editor: To our readers, if you’re struggling with similar challenges, remember that seeking support can make all the difference. Thank you for tuning in!