Chilli and Matthew Lawrence Share Insights on Recognizing Relationship Red Flags from Their Past Experiences

Chilli and Matthew Lawrence Discuss Love and Relationships in New Interview

Chilli and Matthew Lawrence, who began dating in 2022, recently shared insights on love and relationships in an interview with PEOPLE. As co-hosts of the new Hallmark+ series Second Chance Love, the couple emphasized the importance of being aware of relationship red flags.

Both Chilli, 54, and Lawrence, 45, bring a wealth of experience from their past relationships in the public eye. They attribute their growth as partners to the lessons learned from earlier experiences. Lawrence cautioned, “Pay attention to the red flags,” explaining that he often ignored warning signs in his youth, burying them instead of acknowledging their significance.

Chilli echoed his sentiments, remarking, “When you’re young, you see the flags but you don’t recognize that it’s a red flag.”

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Matthew Lawrence and Chilli in Jamaica.
John Parra/Getty

Lawrence reflected on his tendency to overlook red flags, admitting, “I just went right past them.” Chilli also emphasized the value of maintaining a “long list” of partner qualities. “Holding onto my list and not compromising, that was the right choice,” she explained, affirming the need for balance in relationships.

Chilli has a son, Tron, from a previous relationship and previously dated Usher. Meanwhile, Lawrence was married to Cheryl Burke from 2019 to 2022. The couple’s serendipitous meeting occurred during a snowstorm that led to a canceled flight, which prompted Lawrence to reach out to Chilli after hearing her laugh.

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Chilli and Matthew Lawrence/New Year’s Kiss.
The Real Chilli/Instagram

The pair developed a strong connection over a six-month friendship, with Chilli attributing their relationship’s success to a focus on “peace.” She stated, “You just need peace,” affirming that a relationship free of stress is vital for her well-being.

Lawrence agreed, emphasizing the importance of a non-toxic environment. He noted that his connection with Chilli inspires him to “step up to the plate” and enhances his personal growth. Chilli mentioned feeling secure enough to be vulnerable with Lawrence, describing the depth of their connection as priceless.

Describing their relationship as "easy breezy," both agree on the significance of simplicity. “Simplicity works for me,” Chilli said, while Lawrence believes distance — with Chilli in Atlanta and him in Los Angeles — has only strengthened their bond.

Lawrence reflected on his relationship with Chilli as the kind of “untouchable” love he had always envisioned. “You can have something that’s calm, but yet there are sparks,” he said, expressing newfound optimism about love.

Currently, the couple collaborates as co-hosts on Second Chance Love, where they help five couples reconnect in Sardinia, Italy. Lawrence expressed confidence in their partnership, saying, “There’s nothing but love and respect, so I was not worried at all.”

Chilli added that working together felt natural, calling the experience a “great” one. Second Chance Love is now available on Hallmark+.