"Men have told me more than once that I seem unapproachable, perhaps because I come across as very rational and as someone who knows exactly what she wants. But the truth is, I'm also very sensitive. Sometimes I don't show my emotions as much, and it's hard for me to convey everything about who I am because I've been hurt and burned in the past. It takes me time to trust people.
"I was also engaged once, but I called off the wedding two months before it was supposed to take place. I try not to let fear control me, but because of what I went through, I've learned to be a little more cautious. That said, if I recognize the qualities I'm looking for in a man, the relationship could move toward marriage very quickly," says Gali Levy, 36, from Herzliya, this week's featured single.
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Gali Levy. It may take her time to open up, but she believes it will be worth it
(Photo: Mor Dvir)
What happened?
"We went through a crisis in our relationship, and there were differences we couldn't bridge, even though we tried. It broke my heart because I wasn't just separating from a man I loved, but from someone I already saw as my family, my husband and the father of my children. In a way, I was also saying goodbye to my dream of a home, a life together and a family.
"There were mornings when I struggled to find the strength to get out of bed. I fell apart and cried a lot, but my belief that everything happens for the best kept me going, because it's better to break up now than get divorced later. The people around me were incredibly supportive. Nobody pressured me to get back together with him because anyone who knows me knows I'm not an impulsive person. Ultimately, I grew from the experience and learned a great deal."
Gali Levy. She doesn't make impulsive decisions
(Photo: Courtesy)
What did you learn?
"I learned that I'm a very loving and warm person, and when I'm in a relationship, I'm all in. Partnership and reciprocity are very important to me, but so is not losing myself in the relationship. People say men have a hard time dealing with independent women, but I don't think you can generalize. Some men will be intimidated by it, while others will really appreciate it.
"Ultimately, just because I'm used to being independent and making decisions doesn't mean I want to be the one leading the relationship and carrying everything on my shoulders. I want a man who knows how to take initiative, pursue me romantically and lead when necessary; someone I can trust and lean on.
"In a healthy relationship, two strong people shouldn't compete with each other. They should give each other space and complement one another. I'm attracted to successful men, and I would absolutely support my partner if he wanted to pursue his ambitions and fulfill his potential."
‘There's always a feeling that something is missing’
Gali manages a family business that imports and markets electric bicycles. She also works as a business consultant and volunteers to help businesses facing financial or operational difficulties. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master's degree in behavioral sciences and organizational development.
She describes herself as curious, ambitious and someone who constantly seeks new challenges and opportunities to learn. Her interests include water sports, surfing, skiing, painting on canvas, fine dining, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying quiet evenings at home with a good TV series.
Gali Levy. A restaurant critic in a previous life
(Photo: Courtesy)
"My schedule is pretty dynamic. I start every morning with exercise and then head to work. I might spend the day in meetings at the office, travel around the country, fly to China for a trade show or a visit to a manufacturing plant, or simply meet a friend for lunch in the middle of the day.
"Maintaining a balance between my personal and professional life is critical for me. It's important to invest in myself, my hobbies, my family and my friends.
"Even though I've built a good, fulfilling life for myself, there's still this constant feeling that something is missing because I don't have a relationship. I really want to build a home and start a family, but I can't control everything, and I don't know when it will happen.
"I'm making an effort, and I genuinely believe I'm doing everything I can to meet someone. I go out, meet people through friends, dating apps and social media, and I've met many wonderful men. I just haven't found the person who's right for me yet."
Who would be the right person for you?
"I could list all the qualities I want in a man, but ultimately, what's most important to me is finding a true partner in life. Someone I can be myself with, grow alongside and have fun with. I'm not looking for a fleeting romance, but for a man I can build an entire life with.
"I want someone with a good heart and strong values, someone who loves his family and wants to get married and start a family of his own.
Gali Levy. Looking for a true partner in life
(Photo: Courtesy)
"I want a man who's established in life and in his career, someone who's comfortable with himself, ambitious, hardworking and intelligent. A good conversationalist with positive energy, depth and self-confidence.
"I wouldn't date a man who disrespects the people around him, who is inconsistent, unreliable, doesn't keep his word or doesn't know what he wants. I know very clearly what I want, and I'd like him to be in the same place."
What's your biggest flaw?
"I think about and analyze things too much instead of just letting them happen."
What does love mean to you?
"Feeling at home with someone, being completely myself and knowing I have a true partner in life."
Gali Levy. Sometimes she overanalyzes things
(Photo: Courtesy)
Do you believe in love at first sight?
"No. I believe in attraction at first sight. Real love develops over time through getting to know each other, friendship, trust and shared experiences."
What have you learned about yourself from past relationships?
"That you can love someone very much and still realize that not every love is right for building a life together. I've also learned to trust my intuition more."
What's the most important ingredient in a relationship?
"Genuine friendship, honesty, good communication and trust."
What hurts your feelings?
"Dishonesty, disrespect, thoughtlessness and being taken for granted."
In your ideal world, what would your perfect relationship look like?
"We'd have genuine friendship, attraction, great conversations, lots of laughter, support and mutual encouragement. We'd enjoy vacations together, quiet evenings at home and plenty of time doing nothing special. Each of us would have a full life of our own, but we'd also have chosen to build a shared life, and we'd genuinely enjoy being together."
Gali Levy. Building a fulfilling life both with and alongside a partner
(Photo: Mor Dvir)
Do you have any deal breakers?
"Smoking marijuana every day, drugs in general, inconsistency, disrespect and a lack of ambition."
What about cigarettes?
"I'd rather date a nonsmoker."
What age range are you looking for?
"34 to 43."
Would you consider dating a divorced man, with or without children?
"I would consider someone who's divorced."
What's the worst date you've ever been on?
"We sat down at a bar, and the guy ordered an entire pizza for himself. When it arrived, he simply told me, 'When I finish eating, we'll talk.' We sat there in silence for 20 minutes until he finished. And even then, the conversation didn't really improve."
Describe your perfect date.
"A date that's been thoughtfully planned, somewhere nice with good food and drinks, plenty of laughter and easy, natural conversation. The kind of date that leaves me heading home with a smile, butterflies in my stomach and a desire to see him again."
Should a man pay on the first date?
"Yes. It's a lovely gesture, and there's something very masculine about a man pursuing you romantically and wanting to impress you."
Gali Levy. Loves good restaurants, the beach and quality time with family
(Photo: Mor Dvir)
What do you do in your free time?
"Going to the beach, skiing, surfing, playing sports, dining out and spending quality time with family and friends."
What's your favorite place, and why?
"The sea. It calms me, gives me peace and fills me with energy."
What makes you laugh?
"People with sharp humor who know how to laugh at themselves, and funny animal videos on TikTok."
When was the last time you cried, and why?
"On my birthday. I was in Thailand, far from home, and people sent me flowers, cakes and balloons. I cried because I was so touched."
How close are you to your family?
"Very close. My family is a major part of my life, and we also work together."
What were you in a previous life?
"A restaurant critic."
What's the last series you binge-watched?
"East of Eden."
What kind of music do you listen to?
"Israeli music: Osher Cohen and Odaya, as well as Ishay Ribo, Akiva, Synergia, Beit Habubot and Evyatar Banai."
Gali Levy. Skiing is another of her passions
(Photo: Courtesy)
Tell us something nobody knows about you.
"I need to mentally prepare myself for anything spontaneous."
How would your friends describe you?
"The friend you can always rely on. A strong, ambitious woman with a commanding presence, but also someone silly, funny and easygoing."
What do you usually do on Shabbat eves?
"I like to keep things low-key, usually enjoying Shabbat dinner with family or friends."
Where can someone approach you?
"Anywhere. On the street, at a restaurant or at the beach, as long as he has a little self-confidence. Instagram works too."
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
"Happy, with a loving partner, three or four children and a house with a yard. I hope to be doing work I love, giving back to society and having plenty of freedom to travel and explore the world."