You might recognize our newest “dating expert,” Tribble Reese, from his stint on the first two seasons of the popular CMT dating show Sweet Home Alabama. On the first season, Tribble was a bachelor competing for former Justine cover girl Devon Grissom’s heart only to get let go in the final two! When producers asked him to star in a second season of the show, Tribble admits he was a bit hesitant at first. “I got dumped on national TV—that was kind of a bitter pill to swallow. I wasn’t sure if it was something I wanted to rush back into,” he says. But after some urging from his family and friends, Tribble decided to take one more shot at finding love on television. The second time around, he found a happier ending with Tristan, a cute young blonde from Alabama.

Though he didn’t define the current status of their relationship, Tribble did say he is “lucky to have someone like Tristan” in his life and she will be a lifelong friend regardless of what happens. In the meantime, this down-to-earth Southern gent is making moves to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and using his newfound expertise to offer up some advice to our Justine readers! With Valentine’s Day upon us and prom around the corner, it might be nice to pick up a few tips and pointers from a guy who knows a thing or two about dating!

What was the biggest learning experience for you during the show?

It was the first time I was the one telling girls it wasn’t going to work out. I’ve never been the guy to break up with girls—it has always either just fizzled or they were the ones to break up with me. So it was a big challenge for me to look a girl in the eyes and tell her it wasn’t working out when she had left her friends and family back home for me. I definitely grew from all of that.

With so many girls to choose from, what is one thing that makes a girl stand out right away?

Girls who make me laugh automatically get my attention, and confidence is really important. There is something so attractive about a girl who is comfortable in her own skin—that’s one thing I notice right away.

Is there something  that is a major turn-off for guys when it comes to dating?

A girl who tries too hard. There is a big difference to me between confidence and cockiness!

Have you ever been in a situation where you were friends with a girl before you dated?

Usually, I have girls who I know are just my friends. There have been a few instances where a friendship has developed into a romantic interest but I don’t usually start liking a friend I’ve known for years. My interest is typically sparked right away.

What is your opinion on things like texting/e-mailing/Facebook messaging when it comes to dating?

I’m old-fashioned so whenever I meet someone or get a girl’s number, I’ll always call for a first date or to talk for the first time. We live in a generation where everything is electronic, whether it’s Facebook messaging, e-mail or texting, but I think [with those] you lose a lot of the emotional appeal that is brought up when you’re with someone or talking on the phone. Hearing someone’s voice or laugh is more genuine than an “LOL” or a “haha.”  But there’s also something to be said for a girl writing a witty text ;)

What is a "guy secret" that most girls don't know?

Most girls don’t know that guys like to Facebook, tweet and be online talking to friends just as much as girls. We just don’t act as excited or use as many emoticons as they do!

If you could give young girls one piece of dating advice, what would it be?

Don’t worry about what people think of you. Be yourself and don’t change for any guy. If you’re confident in who you are, you’ll attract the right guy!