__My mouth has always been my greatest asset," says Andy Cohen. "But it's also gotten me in a lot of trouble." Well, that comes with the territory when your day job is producing the Real Housewives franchise and your night job is gossiping about them on Watch What Happens: Live. Somehow, in the midst of all that, Cohen's found time to write a memoir, The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look at a Shallow Year. It's as dishy as you could imagine—he almost titled it Diary of a Name-Dropper—but, more surprisingly, it's full of real life wisdom. He shares insights on celebs, love, and being a boss, here, with Glamour. __
Do know: You're your own worst critic.
When Christina Hendricks and Dylan McDermott were on my show [in October 2013], I felt like everything I said didn't come out right or landed with a thud. When I have off shows, I have to remind myself that my experience of what just happened was only my experience. It's never as intense for everyone else as it is for you.
Don't be afraid to speak up at work.
I think the fact that I was never too intimidated by famous people or people in power wound up helping [my career]. I felt strong enough in my convictions to go up and say, "I'd like to interview you," or "I'd like to work for you." Approaching people, not being scared, is big in business. Confidence is so important. Having belief in your abilities makes others feel good about choosing you.
Do play matchmaker to single friends.
I didn't put Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg [who started dating after a joint appearance on WWHL] on together purposely—it was a happy coincidence—but I'm definitely a bit of a yenta. I set people up. I think the key is seeing a spark, finding an opening, and making the introduction.
Don't take no for an answer.
I remember I was watching Mariah Carey singing at the [Rockefeller Center] Christmas-tree lighting, and I immediately emailed her publicist and said, "'All I Want for Christmas' is my favorite song—can Mariah come on the show for Christmas?" She was like, "That's a great idea." That wasn't the first time I had asked for Mariah on WWHL. Being persistent pays off.
Do be a no-B.S. boss.
Lauren Zalaznick, my boss [at Bravo] for years, taught me the importance of being direct. Don't bullsh-t people. If you're reviewing someone, be honest about their performance, including a measurement for success—ratings, sales. One thing I've learned from [managing] Housewives: If you're letting someone go, you have to be clear on why so that there's no murkiness.
Don't stop making time for your friends.
Sarah Jessica [Parker] recently came to my house on Fire Island. We walked on the beach, cooked, talked about everything: work, her kids, my book, the Housewives. No matter how busy we all get, I make time for friends—for a call or in-person time.
Do find mentors and "peer mentors."
Sarah Jessica has been a great support in terms of my show, saying, "This is what you should be doing, never doubt it." Anderson [Cooper], Kelly [Ripa], and I have all taken each other's counsel [as TV-show hosts] at moments in our careers. I was friends with them when they were big and I was nothing, but I also have friends who I came up with, like Bethenny [Frankel], NeNe [Leakes], and people I started with at CBS News, like Bill Owens, who now runs 60 Minutes. We all got successful around the same time, and they've helped me succeed.
Don't overanalyze your relationships.
My parents have been together 55 years. They're very sweet partners. I mean, they pick at each other constantly—they're exhausting—but they're great together. Very complementary. Looking at them, it's definitely made me realize you shouldn't overanalyze a relationship. You should stay in it, let it develop, and see what happens. Now that it's possible, I think I would [get married]. It'd just take falling in love with the right guy.
As told to Emily Mahaney
