“As a woman, you’re not responsible for how a man looks at you and objectifies you…especially when you’re doing your sport and that’s your uniform,” Olivia Dunne had said once when she was criticized for posting her pictures in leotards. That bold statement reflected one thing about Livvy. Her man has to have decency and respect towards women in the first place. While on that occasion, Livvy made an indirect reference to that, once she had made no bones about it and came out clear in the matter.
In the Full Send Podcast on June 30, 2023, Olivia Dunne opened up about the ideal traits she looked for in a partner and relationship. She emphasized the importance of respect and kindness, saying that it was essential for her boyfriend to be respectful and understanding of her busy schedule and obligations. Livvy shared, “It sounds kind of cliché, but someone that shows me respect and understands what I do. Like, understands that I have obligations in other places and that I’m busy and that, you know, I work.” This aligns perfectly with what Livvy had said a few days back.
Olivia Dunne was asked if she would be present when Paul Skenes is called up. Livvy had replied, “If it doesn’t interfere with my schedule, then yes.” Probably only another sportsperson can understand these commitments since both come from the same place, just like Livvy and Paul. The No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Skenes, has been promoted to the major leagues. His highly anticipated MLB debut in Pittsburgh is just around the corner, as the Pirates have announced that he will make his first start on Saturday against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. On the other hand, Livvy just finished her packed gymnastics schedule leading up to winning the National Championship.
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Therefore in the podcast, she even went on to tell The NELK Boys that she preferred dating athletes, saying, “I like athletes.” Additionally, Olivia Dunne expressed that one of her favorite qualities in a guy was being kind to their mothers. She considered it a significant red flag if someone didn’t treat their mother with respect, indicating that such behavior would be a deal-breaker for her. So how does Paul Skenes match up to these traits that Livvy has expressed?
For Olivia Dunne, Paul Skenes is the neutralizer
In March, during an interview on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Olivia Dunne discussed her relationship with Paul Skenes. She highlighted Skenes’ level-headedness as one of the key reasons why they are a great match. Being the highest-paid NIL female athlete comes with its fair share of challenges. Dunne mentioned that her lifestyle can be hectic, with constant changes and challenges, causing her emotions to fluctuate. However, Skenes’ consistent and steady demeanor helps balance her out.
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Livvy said, “I have a crazy lifestyle, and things get thrown my way all the time, and sometimes my emotions sway up and down, and he’s very level, and I just think it’s a very good match.” Paul’s calmness is also evident in his handling of the public attention the couple, especially Olivia Dunne, receives.
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Just as the news of Paul’s promotion to the Majors was out, one enthusiast wrote on Social media that the day was going to be the “National Livvy Dunne Day.” Despite such craze, a calm Paul wants Livvy to be present in his matches. “I do wish she could come to a baseball game and just enjoy it. It does irk me. I don’t have any control over it. She really doesn’t either. I’m sure it’ll get better as I go up levels, but that’s something I want for her,” he had said about it. Apart from these traits, both Livvy and Paul have been standout LSU athletes, which connects them even further.
Paul, being an MLB star, further fulfills her preference for dating athletes. It’s heartwarming to see how this relationship has come full circle since last year’s Full Send Podcast interview. With Paul’s star on the rise and his upcoming debut in The Show, fans eagerly anticipate more updates from the lovebirds, Livvy and Paul.