30 Something

Men v. Boys

2012-02-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

What's the difference between a man and a boy?

Earlier this week, one of my FACEBOOK friends, posted this article from Uptown Magazine titled, 7 Things in Relationships That Separate Men From Boys.

Here's the author's list. My favorite is Number 7.
1) Men look for quality. Boys look for quantity.

2) Men know when to call it quits. Boys know how to wait it out.

3) Men know how to listen. Boys don't.

4) Men value a woman's time. Boys waste it.

5) Men admit their transgressions. Boys convince women they're insecure or crazy.

6) Men date women. Boys date girls.

7) Men ask women out. Boys wait to be asked.

I must admit, I've dated a lot of boys - LOL. I'm ready for a man.

So, what do you think of the author's list? Do you agree with his points? What would you add? In your opinion, what are some things that separate boys from men?

In the meantime, take a look at Toni Braxton's "Just Be A Man About It."

A Love Like This

2012-02-15T18:34:00.000-08:00

Say what you will about rapper Jim Jones and his girl Chrissy of the VH1 show Love & Hip Hop. But one thing's for sure: Their love for each other is undeniable.

Last season when a character's manager said something nasty about Chrissy, we saw Jim confront the manager and make him apologize to her on camera. I mean Jim almost had dude by the throat. I was scared for the little man because he looked like he was gonna get a beat down.

This season we really got to witness their commitment to each other. I mean Chrissy is sho nuff a ride or die chick. She will stand up for her man and will fight anyone who she feels disrespects him.

Jim is just as passionate about his lady love.

I admired the way Jim went to his mother and, in tears, pleaded with her to make peace with Chrissy - "the woman he loved." The two had been at each other's throats a long time. In fact, Mama Jones made a diss record about Chrissy (and has performed it live). But Jim made it clear to his "mommy" that he loved Chrissy and that she was going to be in his life - whether his mother liked it or not (Check out the video below). His mother agreed to call a truce and the three even went on vacation to Jamaica.

TV Shows - Full Episode Video - Reality TV Shows

And when Jim's long-time manager, Yandy said some not-so-nice things about Chrissy, he shut that down real quick. Yandy is no longer Jim's manager. On the reunion show, Jim explained to the executive producer that "Chrissy comes first." Nuf said.

I like a man who can stand up to his mother for the woman he loves, let's his friends, co-workers and everyone around him know that this person comes first — her needs, her wants, her happiness. Chrissy noted on one of the episodes how Jim had put aside his ego, his persona, everything to be vulnerable before the cameras and express his feelings for her.

Indeed. While the other women on the show were in constant heartache about how their hip hop men refused to acknowledge their relationships, Jim was never shy about his feelings for Chrissy. In one episode he said he felt it was a PRIVILEGE that she chose to be with him.

Now, I don't condone violence by any means, but I have to give it to these guys, they have each other's back and if you mess with one, you've got a fight with both.

This season we saw Jim do something that Chrissy has been wanting for a long time. He proposed. Check out the proposal below.

TV Shows - Full Episode Video - Reality TV Shows

This is a man who protects his woman, supports her and believes it is a privilege to be with her. What do you think of a love like this?

JFK's mistress

2012-02-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

I didn't see Meredith Viera's entire interview with Mimi Alford, the former White House intern who wrote a memoir about her affair with President John F. Kennedy. I saw Viera interviewed about the story and I saw Alford appear on the Today Show the day after the piece aired on NBC's new newsmagazine show, Rock Center with Brian Williams.

But the more I learn about this story, the more I want to get the book.

Alford was 19 when she interned at the White House, a sweet young, naive virgin. According to her, four days into her internship she began an 18-month affair with the President of the United States.

In today's Washington Post, it was revealed that President Kennedy had asked her to give his brother, Ted, a lil somethin' somethin'.

According to the Post article, they were in a Boston hotel in 1963 when Kennedy said: “Mimi, why don’t you take care of my baby brother. He could stand a little relaxation.”

Earlier in their "relationship," the Post piece notes, JFK had "urged her to perform a sex act on one of his top aides." And she did - while he watched. But this time, she refused the President's request to give his brother "a little relaxation."

The Post story, which you can read in its entirety here, reveals that after Alford returned to college, the president would fly her back to D.C., and that they continued to see each other even after she got engaged - but not sexually. She writes in her book that that's proof that she "wasn’t just a plaything to him, that he enjoyed my company . . . as a friend."

The New York Times really took Alford to task in its review of the book. Check out the review here.

But the book is titled, Once Upon a Secret: My Affair with President John F. Kennedy and Its Aftermath and I think I may pick it up this weekend. I wonder if Barnes and Nobles has any Groupon or LivingSocial vouchers.

Anyway, what do you think of this story?
Does this revelation change your mind about President Kennedy?
Does this story surprise you?
Do you think Ms. Alford was just a naive teenager who was taken advantage of by an older man with power (the President of the United States)?
Do you think she should have come forth after nearly 50 years?

Let me know your thoughts.

Sex Addiction

2012-02-09T20:20:00.000-08:00

On tonite's episode of Braxton Family Values, you know the show on the WE channel featuring R&B singer Toni Braxton and her sisters, one of the sisters found out that her husband has been having Cyber sex on a social networking site.

She revealed during the show that for the first 5 years of their marriage, he was cyber-sexing, but promised to stop to save their marriage.

Anyway, one of the ladies he had cyber-sexed taped him and threatened to blackmail him with the photos - post them all over the internet. So he came clean to his wife - but not before telling her that he had a sex addiction.

Huh?

So I ask: Do you believe there's a such thing as a sex addiction? Is it similar to alcoholism, drug addiction or some other disease where you go to rehab and get treatment, therapy? I mean we've heard of celebrities going to rehab for "sex addiction" after they were caught being unfaithful, i.e - Tiger Woods, Eric Benet, David Duchovny (from the X Files).

Last year, Time magazine explored this topic in an article titled "Sex Addiction: Real Disease or Excuse For Men to Cheat?" Check out the article here.

What do you think? Do you think sex addiction is a REAL disease or an excuse to cheat?

Let me know your thoughts.

Valentine's Day

2012-02-08T06:45:00.001-08:00

I wanted to write a post about the show Unfaithful: Stories of Betrayal on the OWN Network, but something else was on my mind this morning: Valentine's Day. As you know, it's next week, so I thought I'd throw out this question: What do you think of guys who don't "celebrate" Valentine's Day?

I've heard the excuses - "It's a made up holiday" or "Why do I need a holiday to show you much I care?" or "I don't believe in Valentine's day." (But you "believe" I should do all the girlfriend stuff - whatever that entails...)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, but what is he really saying?
Well if you believe in the saying, actions speak louder than words, his ACTIONS are loud and clear: I'm Not That Into You (enough to acknowledge you on a day for lovers).

Is Valentine's Day a sort of gauge of where you stand in a relationship, a measure of how much you really mean to a person? If a person doesn't acknowledge you on Valentine's Day does that mean the relationship is not what you thought it was? Maybe you thought it was something more serious than it really was, but you didn't get the memo until Valentine's Day (ouch!).

Say you were dating a person for 11 months, Valentine's Day rolls around - What is your EXPECTATION? What if you don't hear from this person (not even a text), would you be disappointed? Mad? Sad?

Last year I talked to a good friend who was hurt that she didn't get anything for Valentine's Day. Her male "friend" had bought her a beautiful silk shawl for her birthday and a pair of expensive stiletto boots for Christmas. When Valentine's Day came he said, "I don't believe in that stuff." She felt stiffed.

Now, just because he didn't get her anything (or do anything) for Valentine's Day does that mean he didn't care about her? hmmmm

So I ask: When a person (that you believe you're in a relationship with) doesn't acknowledge you on Valentine's Day (a call, a card, flowers, chocolates, dinner, something) is he basically telling you how he feels about you, where you stand in his life and the state of your relationship?

Let me know your thoughts.

Can He Live Without You?

2012-01-23T19:31:00.000-08:00

Last week I checked out an article in The New York Times after seeing it mentioned on the CBS morning show. The article was titled, "Alone Again, Naturally (Why Men Can't Stand to Be Alone)." Please read the entire piece here.

The author's premise is that women are just fine being alone, but men can't be alone for more than about "three months" and are most likely to remarry. Basically, women can live without men, but men can't live without women.

She notes:
"Most single women I know really love their lives. Sometimes we suffer pangs of loneliness, sometimes we ache for the companionship of that mythic soul mate, but mostly we cherish our independence. We love doing whatever we want to do, when we want to do it."

On men she argues:
"Being alone feels dangerous to a man. No one has your back. No one feeds you. No one nurses you in your sickbed. No one takes up a watch if you vanish or sends out a search party if you wander off the trail."

Toward the end of the piece she writes that in the 70s she learned that "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle." Today, she says, "I understand why a man needs marriage like a fish needs water."

I get it. Men need marriage because marriage makes them feel SAFE in a dangerous society. Marriage is like a warm winter coat in a cold cruel world.

But while the author points out the many advantages of being a single woman — don't have to worry about cooking, don't have to get permission to spend your own money, don't have to worry about being judged or criticized — I personally believe she's missing an important element in her thesis.

Sure, I agree that men like to be taken care of, but I think she ignores the fact that men have limitless options when it comes to women and so they don't have to be alone.
Women however, have fewer options, and many choose to seek meaningful companionship/relationships over a warm body in their beds.

Think about it: We may know single men, but do we really know men who are really, truly SINGLE? Girl, you know he got somebody — maybe a dinner companion, a bowling buddy or that special "friend" that stays over every once and a while.

Remember, we're their winter coat when it's freezing outside.

Anyway, what do yall think?
Holla at me.

An Open Marriage

2012-01-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

In an exclusive interview with Nightline, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich's second ex-wife, Marianne Gingrich, revealed how her former husband confessed that he had been having a six-year affair with a Congressional staffer (now his wife, Callista) and asked her for an "open marriage." Marianne refused and the couple eventually divorced - just a few months after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. You can read the entire article here from USA Today.

Now, this isn't a post about Gingrich's moral character - you know, how he would call his wife every night to tell her "I Love You" with his mistress in bed beside him. But I just want to know - what's the point of an "Open Marriage"? Why be married at all? Why don't you just be single and date? Do you know any couples who have an open marriage?

I guess folks do it for different reasons - to keep up appearances as a happy couple, or maybe to advance careers (or keep high-profile positions) or to avoid a nasty, costly divorce. I don't know.

What yall think?
What if your husband asked you for an "open marriage"? How would you respond? What would you say?

Let me know your thoughts.

His Last Name

2012-01-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

When you get married are you going to take your husband's last name? Why or Why not?

In an article in Clutch Magazine titled, Will You Take This Man - and His Last Name, Janelle Harris writes about how her fiance became upset when he learned that she plans to hyphenate her name once they're married. It would be Harris-Williams.

Harris noted in the piece, "...he takes offense to the idea of me attaching his last name to the one I already have. The move, according to him, says I’m wishy washy about my commitment and is a flashing neon indicator that I’m not ready to leave my family and be a wife."

Wow. I had never thought about that.

I know a lot of folks with hyphenated names. I also know a lot of folks who don't change their names at all. They keep their maiden name.

However, when my close childhood girlfriend got married, her husband always reminded me of her new last name. Growing up, I always referred to her as Keisha Jones and, out of habit, called her that one day. But her husband promptly corrected me: No, her name is Keisha SMITH, making it very clear that she was a SMITH, his wife, a part of his family. There was no hyphen in her name or attachment to a maiden name.

But as Harris notes in her article, "There is no level-headed reason why a woman should have to abandon her family’s last name in order to prove her fidelity and allegiance to her man."

She continued: "As women wait longer to get married — or take longer to find someone worth marrying — we’re already well-established in our work lives by the time our dream beau comes along. So it should be understandable that many of us don’t want the hassle of converting our longstanding professional identities."

Indeed.

I don't know if I'm going to change my last name when I get married or even hyphenate it. I think I'll just be Lottie Joiner. (but what if this hurts my husband's feelings?)
But I also have to consider the fact that marriage would be beginning a new life (where 2 become 1) and maybe a name change would signify my new status as a married woman.

I don't know yall.

What do you think? What are your thoughts on this?
Will you change your last name, hyphenate it or just add your
new husband's name to your last name?
What are your reasons?
Would you consider your husband's feelings in your decision? What
if he really wanted you to change your name - would you?

Let me know your thoughts.

Oral Transactions

2012-01-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

After watching the latest episode of the Braxton "Family Values" last night, I felt compelled to write today. You know the show. It's on WE TV about singer Toni Braxton and her family.

I couldn't believe my ears when one of the sisters, Trina, sat at the dinner table with her mother and sisters talking about how she performed oral sex on a man, not her husband (yes she's married).

According to the show recap on Hello Beautiful, Trina exclaimed: "I sucked on a ****! I sure did, and I liked it, and I enjoyed it! Excuse me, Mommy, I’m sorry. But you know what? I tasted it, I sucked it, and I liked it."

WHAT !

Call me a prude, but I think it's a little disrespectful/distasteful to talk about giving a man a blow job (or slobbing knobs as Tamar likes to say) while in the company of your parents. I mean, I know they're all adult, all are married and all do grown woman stuff — but aren't there some things you just don't talk about around "mommy"?

I know they're all close to their mother and feel like they can talk to her about anything, but did she really need to know that you did that? For her part, Mama Braxton expressed her disapproval with Trina's outburst.

But is it worse than the sex tapes that have made celebrities out of other families? Let me know your thoughts.

In the meantime, check out the clip below as Trina talks to her sisters Towanda and Tamar about her oral transactions:

What's Your Price?

2012-01-11T14:32:00.000-08:00

How much is your time worth? How much would someone have to pay you for the pleasure of being in your company?

Okay, let me ask you this: Would you go out with a guy you really weren't attracted to or even interested in if he PAID you say - a hundred bucks?

That's the premise behind the website whatsyourprice.com. According to the site: "WhatsYourPrice.com provides the platform for generous members to bid on a first date with attractive members. By offering a little incentive, attractive members are more inclined to take a risk on someone who isn’t their usual type, and if the date goes sour, at least they won’t be going home empty handed."

The average price a generous person pays to go out with an attractive person is $100. The most someone paid to go out with an attractive person was $3,000.

I heard about this site while watching an episode of Anderson, Anderson Cooper's talk show. The website's founder, Brandon Wade, said he came up with the concept because he was a nerd — a graduate of MIT — and didn't feel comfortable approaching women in bars. He felt that women would go out with him if they didn't feel like they were wasting their time - if their time was fully compensated.

hmmm. okay.

The show featured a woman who had gone out on 7 or 8 dates using the site. She said the most she received to go on a date was $350. (But two of the men she went out with ended up being married)

Anderson also featured 2 men who used the service. One man took a woman to a Prince concert - a Prince concert! (He paid a woman to go to a Prince concert with him - wow). Anyway, the other guy was 60, twice divorced who dated women between the age of 22 and 35. He's the one who shed out $3,000 to take a woman out on a date.

Basically the guys said they didn't have time, their busy schedules didn't permit them to go the traditional route of dating - so they used this site mainly because it featured better quality women than the other dating sites, they said.

The expert on the show, however, compared the site to prostitution or an escort service. But Wade insisted that sex was prohibited and emphasized that the site was for people to find a date and maybe make a lasting connection.

So, I ask - What's your price?
If someone offered you $100 to go out on a date (maybe dinner and a movie), would you go (no strings attached)?
What do you think of this site?
Would you sign up for this site?

Let me know your thoughts.

In Sickness and in Health

2012-01-05T21:00:00.000-08:00

The wedding has been postponed.

My friend met her fiance online. After two years of dating he proposed. She happily accepted and started planning a fabulous wedding. She got her dress, found a church and put a down payment on a reception hall. He moved in.

Everything was on track.

Then she learned her aunt, who had cancer, had only a little time left so she postponed her Aug. 5th nuptials. Her mother's sister was dear to her and she didn't know when it would be her last day.

Well her aunt lost her battle with cancer in October. My friend, who has taken medication for manic depression, became depressed shortly after the funeral.

He couldn't handle it.

Her fiance moved out of their home and in with his mother. He claimed that my friend needed to work out her "issues."

hmmm.

I went to visit my friend today and she is not the same. She usually has a very gracious and positive attitude. I'm used to her being bubbly, outgoing, smiling. But she barely got out the bed to answer the door when I knocked. She was sluggish, trying her best to put on a good face.

A new date has not been set for the wedding. She still has her dress and she believes her deposits are good for up to a year.

But she's having second thoughts about her prospective groom.

His picture is still on the wall. But she's wondering if she really wants to marry someone who will run every time she has "issues."

hmmm.

What do you think?
Do you think her fiance did the right thing by leaving?
What about "for better or for worse," "in sickness and in health"?
Wouldn't you want someone who would be able to handle your ups and downs?

Let me know your thoughts.

A New Year: New Possibilities, New Opportunities

2012-01-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

As we enter a new year, I'm reminded of a sermon my pastor preached not too long ago. He asked: Is it better to regret what you've done or to regret what you didn't do?

He went on: "Have you sat on the sidelines of life and let opportunities walk by? Are you everything God created you to be? Are you living up to what God wants you to be? Why aren't you stepping up to the opportunities God has given you? Why do you fail to move when God has opened up a door of opportunity?"

My pastor noted 3 Reasons why we don't take advantage of the opportunities that life presents us:
1) We are intimidated by the possibility
2) We feel inadequate for the position - asking ourselves if we have what it takes to handle the job.
3) We are insecure about our past

The sermon hit home.

This year I vow to be open to new possibilities. We have a chance for a new beginning, a fresh start. I've started off the year decluttering my home and I have a list of professional goals I would like to achieve. I just hope I have the COURAGE to take advantage of the opportunities that may come my way.

As you think about the things you want to accomplish this year I don't want you to be intimidated by the possibilities, feel inadequate about your talent or be insecure about your past. Let's get off the sidelines and step up to the opportunities that God will put in our lives. Let's move forward with courage and faith. There's so much that awaits us.

Here's to 2012 !

Good Riddance

2011-12-29T06:33:00.001-08:00

So yesterday was Good Riddance Day in New York's Times Square — a time for folks to say goodbye to some of their worst memories of 2011.

According to an article in the New York Daily News, more than 250 people lined up in front of two truck-sized paper shredders to symbolically get rid of their most painful memories of the year. People brought bills, pink slips, credit cards, parking tickets and breakup notes.

One lady who found out her husband of 18 years was cheating shredded his driver's license. A mother of five whose husband and brother were sent to the Middle East this year, shredded their deployment papers. A middle-aged writer said he wanted to forget about his "unaccepting family."

I had a great year professionally, but I would love to put the last dude I dealt with through the shredder! (LOL !)

Is there anything you want to say Good Riddance to? What's your worst memory of 2011? What event - or person - would you put in the shredder?

Holla at me !

Love and Lost - Hollywood Style

2011-12-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

Man, it's a lot going on in the land of entertainment and I'm just catching up.

Just today I've learned that Sinead O'Connor is divorcing her fourth husband after being married only 16 days (yes you read that right - 16 DAYS- though some reports are saying 18 days).

Deion Sanders has confirmed his divorce from his wife of 12 years, Pilar. According to news reports she's suppose to get a pretty hefty house. I wrote about the couple's then-rumored divorce in September. Check out the post here.

But while some folks are busy breaking up, others are making a lifetime commitment like singer John Legend who proposed to his girlfriend of four years, model Chrissy Teigen over the Christmas holiday. According to the report, Teigen tweeted "He went to Jared." LOL

Matthew McConaughey also got engaged over the holidays. He finally asked his baby mama, Camila Alves, to be his wife. He has two children with the Brazilian model. Oh, and did you hear Maria Shriver is having second thoughts about divorcing Arnold? As you recall, the former California governor fathered a child with the couple's housekeeper of 25 years. I guess Maria is still deciding whether termination is the best decision.

And lastly, we finally learned of the official cause of death for rapper Heavy D, who passed away on Nov. 8 at age 44. Reports revealed that the hip hop artist died of a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot that started in his leg and traveled to his lungs blocking his arteries.

Home for the Holidays

2011-12-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

I will not be going home for the holidays.

I had made a pledge last year that I would find a cheap trip to the Caribbean for Christmas instead of traveling to visit family in Mississippi.

But I didn't find a cheap trip, so I'll be here.

A friend called me this evening to "check on me." There was sadness in her voice. Man, the last thing I want is someone feeling sorry for me.

I'm fine, I assured her.

And right now, I am okay. I mean my dad did call earlier today and reminded me that this would be the first Christmas I won't be home (can anybody say guilt trip). But I was just home last month and I don't think my family really understands the financial cost of returning to Mississippi in less than a month, renting a car for a week and buying gifts for everyone. For someone who hasn't gotten a raise in 8 years, well, I just couldn't swing it this time.

But of course, there is more to it than just the financial cost of going home. Check out my blog post from last year. Indeed, it was Hugh Grant's character in the movie, "About a Boy" who lamented that how you spend your holidays reflects your status in life.

Anyway, I promised my family I'll be home in the spring - when airline tickets would be cheaper and I'll be able to spend more quality time with them without the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

I'll call them on Christmas Day.

So Tonite

2011-12-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

... on RHOA (Real Housewives of Atlanta), a lady mentioned that she dates wealthy men and they give her an allowance.

wow - How can I get a gig like that?

LOL !

(just kidding yall)

Dear Me

2011-12-13T16:05:00.000-08:00

So I'm driving home, listening to Michael Baisden and he has an excellent question today:
What would you tell your younger self?

Wow.

I would tell younger me a lot. Here are just a few things: If it doesn't feel right it probably isn't; listen to your gut; have courage, be fearless, take risks; be proactive and take initiative; seek out mentors in your field; speak up, say what's on your mind, stand up for yourself; ask for what you want, what you deserve; stay persistent, stay determined; be polite, it gets you places; condoms are your friend; eat right and exercise consistently; smile; laugh often; be reliable, dependable, responsible; you have choices - you can do this or you can do that; think before you respond, it's all in how you react; a good attitude is a great thing; faith, focus, follow-up.
When it comes to men: The Maya Angelou quote, "When people show you who they are, believe them — the first time."

So, I ask you: What would you tell your younger self? about life? about love? about career? about pain? about triumphs? about success?

Let me know.

Alone Time

2011-12-11T18:34:00.000-08:00

Tonite I attended a holiday dinner with some of my exercise associates. One lady was telling me about her speed dating experience last night. She's divorced with 2 kids - one is 20 in college and the other is 15.

She met her ex-husband in college more than 20 years ago. She was 22 when they got married. Her mother and grandmother tried to persuade her not to marry the guy. Her friends boycotted the wedding.

Why? I asked.

He was mean, she said.

Well, why did you marry him? I asked.

I thought he would change, she told me. I believed that when I became his wife he would treat me nice.

Well, she was wrong.

She told me about a road trip they took early in their marriage - her daughter was 5 and son was 1 at the time. They were going to visit her parents and she told him to pull over at a rest stop so she could use the restroom.

He refused. He wouldn't stop.

Anyway, that should have been a clue but she stayed with him for 13 years. "I really fought for us," she told me. "I really wanted my kids to have a real family."

Interestingly, her brother was dating a young lady the same time she was dating her husband. But her brother didn't get married.

"My brother said he would rather be alone than marry someone he wasn't truly in love with," she said. "Well, I was more concerned about being alone than love."

Today her brother's married (with two kids) and she's divorced. He waited until his mid-30s and, according to my friend, found the love of his life.

So tonite I ask: As we get older, how important is love? Is it better to have a companion that is " just okay" than to be alone waiting for "the love of your life" that may never show up?

Let me know your thoughts.

Doctor Visit

2011-12-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

So I went to the doctor yesterday for my annual checkup. She looked at my chart: You get your first mammogram next year -(reminding me that this is my last year in my 30s).

You still single?
Yeah. Nothing's changed, I said. But don't be surprised if I tell you I'm getting married next year.
She smiled.
Though I don't have a boyfriend, she still had me tested for HIV, HPV, chlamydia, etc., which was cool. She also gave me tests to check my cholesterol level and signs of diabetes.

How's work?
It's alright.

Any major family losses or diagnosis?
My aunt died last month of kidney failure and leukemia, I told her.

You doing self breast exams?
I shook my head no. I hadn't been.
She gave me a "you know better" look.
sigh.

Are you taking your Vitamin D and Calcium?
I'm not. I mean I bought them last year when she told me that I should take them, but for whatever reason I just can't seem to take them. They're still on my night stand.
She was disappointed: You really need your Vitamin D and Calcium. They help prevent osteoporosis. Try to get them in at least 3 times a week.
(yeah, yeah) - So I took them this morning after my boot camp.

Have you taken your flu shot this year?
I don't want a flu shot, I protested. (I'm such a baby)
She smiled. okay.
(whew)

I'm glad you're exercising she said. That's helping to keep your bones strong.
Finally some positive news! (LOL !)

She continued with my exam, giving me tips along the way. I like that my doctor is so thorough. But the visit is also a wake-up call of how I could do, should do, better healthwise.

So today I'm asking: How's your health? What are some things you could improve on?

Pretty Woman

2011-12-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

As you may know by now, Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain suspended his campaign after persistent questions about his alleged 13-year affair with Ginger White.

In an interview with The Daily Beast, White gave details about the affair and discussed her own problems with sexual harassment in the workplace.

There are so many things that disturb me about this story. Please read the article - the entire article - here.

The 46-year-old divorced mother of two mentions in the piece that she believed Gloria Cain, Herman's wife, "engaged in willful self-denial"- that basically Gloria knew her husband was cheating and chose to look the other way. White told The Daily Beast's Leslie Bennetts: “I think certain women see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear. I would be surprised if some of these wives are surprised to know what their husbands were doing. Women have intuition. I think a lot of women are comfortable, and they don’t want to realize if they’re being cheated on. I don’t think a lot of women want to face up to that.”

In the story, White also mentions that she continued to have sex with Cain off and on for more than a decade because she needed his financial help. She confesses in the article that she's taken money from other men as well: “There are good men in corporate America, and there are bad men in corporate America, and those bad men take advantage of women in fragile situations — women who are struggling,” White said. “When I was having trouble making a payment on something, there was this powerful man saying, ‘I’ll help you out.’

hmmmm. It pays to be pretty.

White told Bennetts that "getting men to supplement her income that way started becoming a game." She said: “It was easy for me to get help like that.You have to be just as clever as they are, just as cold as they are, just as calculating as they are — and sometimes beat them at their own game. But I don’t want to be depicted as a woman who sleeps with men for money. I am not that woman."

Okay, if you say so.

White has been married three times and has two children by her first husband. I ask: Was there no one else in her life that could help her out — Family? Friends? Maybe she had too much pride or was too embarrassed about her financial situation to reach out to those close to her. I don't know.

But do you think White was a victim or was she just playing the same game men play? They were able to get want they wanted and she was able to get her bills paid.

Anyway, please read the story and let me know your thoughts.

A "Leftover" Woman?

2011-12-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

I was looking at the Today show yesterday and one of the anchors mentioned a story on "Leftover Women."

Now, I had never heard of this term before so I did a Google search and found this Ms. Magazine article that was published online Nov. 22.

According to the piece, a "leftover woman" is used in China to describe "an urban, professional female over the age of 27 who is still single." The Chinese term is called a shengnu.

The article notes that there are 3 types of "leftover women":
1) The first type are women between the age of 25-27 who "still have the courage to fight for a partner."
2) The second type are women between the age of 28-30 whose careers leave them with limited opportunities for romance.
3) The third type is a woman over age 35 and "has a luxury apartment, private car and a company."

The author states that the derogatory term is the Chinese government's way of "warning women that they will become spinsters if they do not marry by the time they turn 30."

The New York Times wrote about the shengnu last year. Check out the article here.

This piece was a little more positive noting that a shengnu was a woman who was "well-educated, well-paid and independent." The NYT story, however, pointed out that these women were also referred to as 3S women: "single, seventies (most were born in the 70s) and stuck.

The NYT article quotes a 2009 story from the China Economic Net which mentioned that, "A successful woman wants to find a more successful man. While a successful man’s ideal wife is not necessarily successful but gentle and virtuous."

Hmmmm, sounds like America.

I'm not quite sure what to think of this. First of all, I hate the term "leftover" to describe a woman. It reminds me of an old meal nobody wants the next day.

Anyway, thoughts on this?

A Positive Role Model?

2011-11-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

Sunday evening my mentee and I were in my room watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta. During a commercial break she asked me where were my boyfriends,why didn't I go out.

I just stared at her. I didn't know what to say.

I must be a sad sight: a woman over 30 at home every night, watching reality TV.

I used to be much more social. I would attend events or functions several times a week or go out dancing on the weekend. I was a member of professional organizations and was involved with my alumni and community groups.

Today my life is work, Jazzercise and volunteer projects. (I do go to church on Saturday nights).

Hmmm, what happened?

"I do need to go out," I finally said to her.

"You need to do Match.com," she said.

I laughed. I've done Match, I told her.

"What happened?" she asked.

"I didn't find a match," I answered.

But I had to wonder what kind of example I'm setting for my mentee. I could teach her how to get into college, how to write an essay for a scholarship or do a cover letter for a job interview, but I can't teach her about love - lasting love.

I've failed at relationships. When she sees me, she sees a college-educated professional alone on a Friday night (and Saturday night too), a single woman.

I once read an article (man I wish I could find it) that basically said Condoleezza Rice and Oprah were not good role models because they put career before family.

I want to be a positive influence. But am I a good role model for my mentee? What is my life teaching her?

Thoughts?

Grateful

2011-11-24T07:42:00.001-08:00

Lately I've been doing a lot of complaining. Well not really complaining, but more of questioning where I am in my life right now.

I've been thinking a lot about the "What ifs" — What if I had gone out with him? I might be married by now. What if I had taken that job in New York 10 years ago? I would be further along in my career. What if, what if, what if...

But in a conversation with myself this morning, I said, "Lottie, you can't live your life on the what ifs."

Today is a day of thanks giving. And what I've been reminded of sitting here in the Dallas Fort Worth International airport (lol), is that I have a lot to be thankful for.

I may not be married (or even close to it). I may not be where I want to be professionally, but I am blessed. I am truly blessed.

As I look at my life, I am thankful for all that God has given me - a beautiful, loving family, wonderful, caring friends and professional opportunities I only dreamed about a few years ago.

I think sometimes we get so caught up in what we don't have, we don't take time to be grateful for the little things.

So while I have a few regrets, I am thankful for my blessings. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food in my fridge - enough said. I have nothing to complain about it.

Happy Thanksgiving !

His Female Friends

2011-11-23T16:24:00.000-08:00

So, if you were married would you want to know all of your husband's female friends?

What if your husband didn't see the need to introduce you to his female friends? Would
you be upset? Jealous? Suspicious?

What if you found out that your husband or significant other was communicating
with someone (a single woman) during his work hours, when he leaves the house or before
he gets home? Would you be hurt? Would you automatically think he was cheating?

Do you think single women should be friends with married men without
being friends with their wives? Why or Why not?

Let me know your thoughts.

Today, Going Forward

2011-11-18T11:12:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to keep my head up, have a positive outlook. But it's hard when the past keeps rearing its ugly head, biting me in the a$$.

For whatever reason, I keep getting reminded of the mistakes I made in my 20s - how I dismissed the good guys, the marriage material.

Indeed it was just this week when I spoke to a guy who was interested in me in college. Today he works for a Fortune 500 company, financially successful, happily married with kids.

Me? Alone in D.C.

The devil is laughing at me for sure.

It was the third time this year that's happened to me. The young guys who I dismissed in college are now successful men who are happily married with kids. It's like they're throwing it in my face: I'm rich. I'm happy. I'm married. And where are you? Struggling and alone. How you like me now?

How could I have been so stupid? Why didn't I make better decisions?

Oprah has said: "We are where we are today because of the choices we made."

I've made some really bad choices. I chose to date losers, men who I knew weren't about nothing. And I'm paying for those choices today. Look at me - single at nearly 40.

I'm trying not to beat myself up about it. I know I can't change the past. I have to move forward. But it's hard when you're alone and you haven't had a date in a while or a LOVING long-term relationship since college.

I'm struggling. I regret the choices I made. I wish I had made better decisions when it came to men. I believe my life would be different today.

But I take full responsibility: I am where I am today because of the decisions I made. I can't blame anybody but myself.

So today going forward I just have to make better choices. Hopefully it's not too late.

A Nice Young Man

2011-11-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

So, I went to see Michael Eric Dyson interview hip hop advertising giant Steve Stoute about his new book, The Tanning of America at Busboys and Poets this evening.

While waiting for the evening to start, I struck up a conversation with the young man sitting next to me. A native of Albany, N.Y., he had been in D.C. only a few months. He was a recent graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia (a human biology major) and wanted to work for a community health center. He was reading a book on the globalization of the achievement gap when we started talking.

I was impressed. He was 23, smart, ambitious and kind. Perfect for my mentee !

But she wasn't having it. She gave me grief about "interviewing" him for her (but I really wasn't). She didn't even meet him and wanted to dismiss him.

sigh...

Young and Foolish

2011-11-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

I had a little talk with my mentee the other day. A few weeks ago, a 34-year-old bus driver picked her up at 3 in the morning (it was closer to 4). I was extremely upset (and that's putting it mildly).

I told her that kind of behavior was very unlady like. I let her know that that old man had no respect for her by coming to get her at 3 in the morning and more importantly she was disrespecting herself by leaving at that time.

You need to date someone your age, I told her.

These young boys play too many games, she said.

And what does that 34-year-old man want with someone 23? You don't think he's playing games? I asked.

I don't understand it. She's a 23-year-old college graduate with her first professional job. She's smart. She's kind. She's a beautiful person. Why is she wasting her time with a 34-year-old bus driver - who has a kid ! (doesn't she know he probably picks up a lot of women on his route?)

But she likes him. He's got her nose wide open.

I want her to date a nice, college-educated professional her age - someone 24, 25. So I encouraged her to join the Urban League's Young Professional Network, where she'll meet upwardly mobile young men who are just starting their professional careers.

She rolled her eyes at me.

They're boring, she said. I'm young. I like to have fun. You don't know me. I like to party.

I do know her. She's exactly like I was at 23 - young and foolish.

Listen, I said, when I was 23 I partied. I partied hard.

"For real Lottie?" she said surprised.

I had to break it down to her: Girl, yes. I was in a new city. I had my own apartment. I had a car, a job. I was out all the time. I went to clubs, stayed out late, sometimes I didn't make it home til the sun came up. (I mean it's your 20s)

She couldn't believe it. I guess she thinks I'm just an old fuddy-dud who only goes to work and church. But at one time in my life I had a very active social life (and did things she will never know about - lol).

I wanted her to understand that I was her age once and met a lot of guys who I shouldn't have given the time of day, men who meant me no good. I want her to learn from my mistakes and make good decisions about the men she chooses.

Something I didn't do.

Like her, I had a long-term college boyfriend who was a good guy. Like her, I broke up with my good boyfriend after college because I wanted to be FREE. Like me, she's making all the wrong choices when it comes to men.

I am now paying for the choices I made at 23. I've been "free" for nearly 20 years now.

I know I can't tell her what to do, she's an adult. But I don't want her to be like me: Almost 40 and unsuccessful at love.

So, what do you guys think? Am I going about this the wrong way? What should I do? What should I say? Should I just leave it alone and let her go about her life? How can I get her to understand that this 34-year-old man (with a kid) isn't about anything real?

My mentee has so much going for her. Her life is just beginning. I don't want her to throw it away on a man who ain't about nothing.

Let me know your thoughts.

Here

2011-11-11T21:52:00.000-08:00

As I celebrate my last year in my '30s, I can't help but to be contemplative, reflective: How did I get to this place in my life? How did I end up here?

This was not the plan for my life. But then again, there was never a plan.

I had dreams, for sure. But I never had a plan. I never knew how I was going to achieve my dreams; how I would become the person I wanted to be.

That's how I ended up here. I guess when you don't have a plan you just take what life offers you.

I'm not proud of all the decisions I've made, professionally or personally.

But I'm here now. So what do I do?

Girl You're Fine, Just the Way You Are

2011-11-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

So I just finished watching the latest episode of the Millionaire Matchmaker. Have you noticed how often Patti tells people to change their look: sex it up a bit, she tells women. Straighten your hair, better yet darken it. Get some extensions. Get a tan. Wow. That's a lot more than just wearing high heels and a hot cocktail dress.

There's a new show on VH1 titled Why Am I Still Single? This show features a pair of twins whose purpose is to give people makeovers. They do hair, makeup, brows, wardrobe. Another show, Tough Love, also on VH1, includes a makeover segment too — new hair, new makeup, new clothes. The show's male host claims to know what men like.

Okay.

I know the purpose of these makeovers is to help you be your best you; to help you look as attractive as possible so that you can attract the person you desire. It's all done in love. I get that. Men are visual. I get that too.

But...I don't know. I know folks who don't go through all that — new hair, makeup, fancy clothes — and still manage to find a mate. They find somebody who loves them for them (warts and all).

I just feel like in a way these shows are telling women they aren't good enough as they are. Like - you don't have a man because you don't have the right hairstyle or you dress too frumpy or you don't wear enough makeup. I have a problem with that.

I believe you're fine just the way you are and there is someone out there who will like you just the way you are. (Now I didn't say you would like them back - LOL !!!)

Anyway, the overweight lover said it best with a little help from Al B. Sure. Check it out below:

She's Grown

2011-10-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week (Sunday) my mentee moved in with me. She had been living with her cousin in Fort Washington since graduating from college in May.

I was proud of her. She had her bachelor's degree and had become a full-time working girl. She seemed to be on the right track.

So when she contacted me a few weeks ago to see if she could stay with me until her apartment was ready Dec. 1st, I said sure. I mean I had a full size futon in my basement, cable tv and a full bathroom - what more could one want?

We agreed on how much she would pay to stay with me. I made her a key, gave her the code to the alarm and told her she was responsible for her own food (lol).

So last night, as I was driving home from an event, I got a call from her. It was 9:37. She told me she was going on a date.

When? I asked.

Now, she replied.

"Now? It's too late," I told her.

He's already here, she informed me.

Is he in my house? I asked.

No Lottie, she assured me.

Then she said, "I won't be back tonite."

"What!" I said.

I was devastated.

I dropped my friend off and headed home. MAD !

I called another friend and told her that my mentee had just left for a date and said she would not be returning that evening. It hit me: She was spending the night with a man.

"She's grown," my friend informed me.

I couldn't say anything. She was right. My mentee is a 23-year-old woman, not the 12-year-old girl with braces that I met years ago.

But still...

I felt used. I believe she moved in with me so she would have the freedom to come and go as she pleased. I honestly believe that behavior wasn't tolerated when she lived with her cousin in Fort Washington, so she decided to come stay with me.

I am not her parent. So I basically have no say when she can come and go - or do I?

Anyway, last night I had to think about how I was when I was 23, 24, 25. And I wasn't so innocent.

I lived in Ohio, then Atlanta, and eventually moved to D.C. I had my own apartment. It was furnished. I had my own dishes. I was grown.

Like my mentee, I had broken up with my college sweetheart of 4 years and felt free. I dated. I went out late and came in early (during the wee hours). I was an adult.

So, why was I so upset when my 23-year-old mentee told me she was going out on a date at 9:37 pm and that she was not coming home?

I don't know. She is an adult. She is not 12. But I also think it's about respect. I think the only reason she wanted to stay with me is so she could come and go as she pleased. I know she wouldn't have done that if she lived with her mother.

But I'm not her parent.

What do you guys think of this situation?
What would you do?
Any advice?

A Single Woman

2011-10-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

I was closing on the refinance of my home this morning and I caught something on one of the pages: LOTTIE JOINER, A SINGLE WOMAN.

I flipped through a few more pages and there it was again — LOTTIE JOINER, A SINGLE WOMAN.

I asked the closing agent, what is this?

I mean, I've closed on a home before and I don't ever remember seeing that - ever. Maybe I just overlooked it the first time.

"Oh, we put that so no one can come in and claim your property," she said. "No one can come in and say they are married to you. We know you are the sole owner.

"We do that for men too," she assured me.

But it bothered me. I'm not quite sure why. But it did.

Later on today, a writer asked me if I knew any couples she could interview for an article on dating. She wanted an African American couple under 40 who was not married yet, but dating, in a relationship.

I thought for a second; of my close circle of friends I couldn't think of one who was in a relationship. Sure, I know folks who are married. I know people who date every now and then. But I couldn't think of one person, not one, who was currently in a serious relationship, dating someone for a length of time.

hmmm.

Thoughts?

Cheating to Stay Together

2011-10-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

I came across an article on The Daily Beast a couple of weeks ago titled, "Is Cheating the Secret to a Happy Marriage?"

In the piece, journalist Jessica Bennett talks to author Iris Krasnow about her new book, The Secret Lives of Wives. Krasnow, a professor of my alma mater American University, conducted two years of research and interviewed more than 200 women to find out the secrets of long, successful marriages.

Some of the "secrets" were obvious: take a separate vacation or have hobbies outside the home. Some pushed the envelope a little, like have a "boyfriend with boundaries" - someone you flirt with and do everything except have sex.

But the "secret" that surprised me the most was cheating.

"To expect one person, man or woman, to make you happy for the rest of your life is a ticket to divorce," said Krasnow in the article.

The book features a number of women who've gone outside their marriage to stay married. The Daily Beast piece quotes four of them:
"If you avoid getting caught, a little affair can perk up a marriage," said a 50-something woman from California.
"My husband is only capable of doing so much, and it's not enough," said one lady who cheats with her landscaper.
"A husband is your costar and a rock in your life, but if you're a multidimensional person, you need a lot of different colors on your pallette," said a 59-year-old actress.

The article goes on to note some startling statistics: 65 percent of women and 80 percent of men said they'd cheat if they knew they wouldn't get caught. And about 4 million Americans consider themselves swingers.

Bennett writes, "one thing's for certain: a life centered around one man is simply not enough."

Though Krasnow has been in a monogamous marriage for 23 years and has four children, she stays in touch with her ex-boyfriend and is friendly with an attractive male neighbor. She tells the author, "Every woman should feel free to create her own marriage."

hmm. okay. I agree.

I don't know guys. Am I living in some kind of fantasy world? I know I am a hopeless romantic, idealistic at times. But is it wrong of me to think I can have a long marriage without stepping outside the marriage? Is it realistic of me to believe that I can have "til death do us part" without cheating on my husband?

There's nothing wrong with a little flirting. But to actually have an affair with someone in the name of spicying up my marriage? hmm. I don't think so.

But this is the thing - I'm not married. I don't know what it's like to be in a marriage. People tell me that marriage is hard work and it takes a lot of compromise and communication.

I'd rather do that than cheat.

Anyway, what are your thoughts on this article? Do you think cheating is one of the solutions to having a healthy marriage - why or why not? Would you cheat to keep your marriage together - why or why not? Is it a "successful" marriage if you have to cheat to stay married - why or why not? Would you have someone on the side to keep your marriage spicy- why or why not?

Alright, let me know your thoughts.

The List

2011-10-20T19:16:00.001-07:00

My co-worker always complains that women are too choosy. I know I have a list of qualities I would like in an ideal mate. But the more I watch Millionaire Matchmaker, I think its the men who are choosy.

I had already seen the show that aired tonite. It was a re-run. Patti was charged with finding love for two men who were in the self-help industry. Isn't that ironic? They were in the business of helping people succeed, but they needed Patti's help in finding love.

Anyway the dude Gary was the one who had me laughing with his long list. The 47 year-old motivational speaker said he had to have someone who was:
1) 5'2, 110 pounds
2) Between the age of 29-33
3) Blonde (like Jessica Simpson)
4) Feminine
5) Not career-oriented
6) Domesticated
7) Willing to travel at will
8) Christian
9) Eager to have kids (twin girls)

So Patti of course told him to narrow his list down to 5 non-negotiables. He said his mate must be:
1) Godly (Christian)
2) Gorgeous
3) Not Career-oriented (He absolutely did not want a woman who had a career. He wanted someone to support him and what he was doing and not be distracted by anything else.)
4) Domesticated (someone who enjoys spending her Sunday cooking dinner all day)
5) Must want kids

He chose a lady who could be an older version of Jessica Simpson. One of the first questions he asked her was, "What do you have to offer a man?"

Huh?

The question stumped her. She had never been asked that before; me either (lol).

So if you were on a date, your first date with a guy and he asked you - What do you have to offer a man - what would you say?

Love on Top

2011-10-19T19:46:00.001-07:00

Okay, this is my new favorite song. I can't get it out of my head. I keep listening to it over and over and over again on my Ipod. In fact, I want to do this song for my first dance at my wedding. I'm trying to think of choreographers who can create a routine for me and my husband. It's gonna be fun. Can't you see me on TOP of the staircase coming down to this song? Man, I can't wait.

Manifesting Love (Part 3)

2011-10-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

I have SO many things I want to write about. But first I wanted to get through this series on Manifesting Love. As you recall, a few months ago I listened to a teleconference featuring relationship expert Mat Boggs and motivational speaker Lisa Nichols who discussed the 3 Secrets of Manifesting Love.

The first secret was to stop self-sabotaging yourself with negative thoughts. The second secret was to "joyfully receive" when a man offers to do something for you or to help you out. So here is the last of the 3 secrets to Manifesting Love: The Law of Elasticity.

According to this law, women should not obsess when men don't call back right away or if they hang out with their friends all night because, well, they'll eventually be back (elasticity - get it?). Boggs explained that men have a chemical in their brain that gets triggered when they do masculine things - like when they achieve something spectacular or produce something extraordinary.

Anyway, a woman's chemical suppresses the man's chemical and as a result, he feels the need to just get away, hang out with the guys, do something manly. When he comes back, he'll be in a better mood, feel better, be in better spirits.

wow. Did you know that?

So I guess the whole point of this law is: Let your significant other have his fun with his friends, trust that he just needs to be around masculine energy and don't nag him about where he is, when he's coming home or why he didn't call you last nite. Know that he'll be back soon - elasticity.

Sounds simple doesn't it: Don't smother him, let him have his space, etc.

I do believe that each person in a relationship should have their own lives. For example, I may marry a man who is into watching football all day on Sundays. Do you think I'm gonna be mad cause he wants to hang out with his friends, drink beer and watch a game? Hell No! I will be going out to brunch with friends, shopping, volunteering or at a spa. I will not be begging him to pay attention to me or spend time with me while he's watching a sporting event with his friends. (I like basketball, so I'll watch basketball with him if he wants)

When one of my friends was dating her husband, she couldn't call him before noon on Sunday because he worked a late shift and then he watched football all day with his friends. So we would go to church, go get lunch and just hang out.

But the key is the man has to be trustworthy. I know a guy who is a member of a fraternity. He's married. He would tell his wife that he was going to a fraternity meeting, but instead he would meet up with young ladies he had met at fraternity parties.

So the next time you obsess about where your man is, why he didn't call you back or if he's really playing basketball that late - trust that he's just doing a little male bonding and he'll be back by your side soon.

Thoughts?

Her Three Sons

2011-10-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

A little before my Jazzercise class on Saturday, one of the students raved about her son's recent wedding. She has three sons. Her middle son, age 25, is the one who got hitched.

She was excited. But she lamented about her eldest, who had been dating his girlfriend for 10 years. She wants him to settle down also.

"I told him she was a good girl and that he needed to go ahead and marry her," she told me.

"How old is he?" I asked her.

"33," she replied. "He told me that they just got approved for a $250,000 loan for a house."

I stopped what I was doing. What?

"Yeah. I told him if they were gonna buy a house they may as well get married," she continued.

What did he say? I asked.

"Well, he just sort of shrugged," she said. "My youngest son is 20. He said he wasn't gonna get married. He said he wants to take care of me and my husband."

I laughed.

But I had to wonder what's going on with that oldest son. He's 33. He's been dating a young lady for 10 years and now they've been approved for a certain amount to buy a home. So, why not marriage?

I know couples who lived together before they got married. But I don't know if I know of anyone who's purchased a home with someone they were not married to.

Anyway, son No.1 may surprise his mom and go to the justice of the peace right before closing on his new house (lol).

What do yall think of this situation?

Let me know your thoughts.

Sister Wives

2011-10-14T20:11:00.001-07:00

So, I've seen a few episodes of Sister Wives, a show on TLC about polygamist Kody Brown, his four wives and their 16 children.

Initially they all lived together in one house, but now each wife has her own separate home. Kody runs around to make sure each wife is getting enough attention. But there's been some complaining about him spending more time with one woman over another.

Anyway, I was wondering: If I was one of the Sister Wives, do you think my husband would mind if I had a boyfriend on the side? I mean, do you think he'd notice? I could spend time with my other man while he's with his other wives. Do you think the other Sister Wives would tell on me? (Lottie has a boyfriend)

Stood Up

2011-10-12T04:26:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, my friend Tanya sent me the latest Washington Post Date Lab article. It featured a woman who had been stood up on her "Date Lab" date.

The 50-year-old computer software tester waited a little more than 30 minutes before realizing her blind date was not coming. Read the entire article here. She seemed to take it in stride, ordering dinner and chatting up another customer at the bar.

But I was thinking: How rude ! Dude is an idiot ! He wasn't apologetic or showed any kind of remorse. He didn't even try to make up a lame excuse. Instead he refused to answer his phone or return the Post's phone calls. What a coward.

Anyway, I think he did her a favor. Just think, if he's not going to show up for a date arranged by a national newspaper and written about for a national audience, then he's not going to show up for other, more important things - like a real relationship. Better for her to find out now than later. Remember: When people show you who they are believe them - the first time !

It's ironic that Tanya sent me that article Sunday, when I was suppose to meet up with someone that afternoon - and he was MIA (lol).

We had made plans earlier in the week to meet at the National Harbor at 4 pm on Sunday. Saturday morning he text me, wanting to know if we could do dinner that evening. I told him Sunday was still best. He text me again Saturday evening, wanting to know if we could meet up that evening. I told him no again, explaining that I had to teach Jazzercise the next morning and needed to prepare for my class.

Anyway, Sunday comes. After my Jazzercise class - around 11:30 a.m. — I text him to see if we're still on for 4 pm. I didn't hear back from him until 3:45. He sent me a text informing me that he was just leaving Richmond and would come to the city.

WHAT ? !

As you may know, Richmond is 2 hours away - which meant he wouldn't get to the city until around 6 or so. I told him not to bother coming. I had already made other plans.

So dude sent me a text at 10:20 PM: "Can I come over?"

I was livid: You got some nerve, I replied back. Don't contact me again.
And I blocked his number.

I'm so sick of this: meeting these dudes who are unreliable, irresponsible, not dependable. I want to meet a nice man, a good guy. I want someone HONEST, someone who does what he says he's gonna do.

geez...

Anyway, what are your thoughts on the Date Lab no-show?
What are your experiences with no-shows?

Let me know your thoughts.

Searching for Mrs. Huxtable

2011-10-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

So last night on the Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti was trying to find love for a 38-year-old Nigerian businessman. Ayinde was a former professional volleyball player who currently owns a successful radio internet company.

This was his second time using Patti's service. He didn't think his first match was intelligent enough. So he was back again determined to find his "Mrs. Huxtable."

Ayinde explained that he wanted someone who had beauty AND intelligence AND personality.

"I deserve a 10 on the inside and a 10 on the outside," Ayinde told Patti. "I want the 'AND' not the 'Or.' (beauty and brains, not beauty or brains)

Patti asked the entrepreneur what were the top 3 things he was looking for. He said: 1) intellectual curiosity 2) spiritual, but not religious 3) business acumen.

Check out their conversation here:

So Patti set Ayinde up on 5 mini dates. They were all gorgeous. Most had college degrees. I believe the majority had their own business.

Ayinde asked each young lady where she attended school and her occupation. He asked one if she had read The Autobiography of Malcolm X. She hadn't. He asked another if she spoke any foreign languages. (He speaks 8).

He didn't choose the one who went to Brown University or the one who went to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill or the young lady who attended Texas A&M. He chose someone whose favorite movie was Zoolander.

Anyway, they go on their date and he gives her low marks because she isn't "established" enough. (She owns an aromatherapy cleaning service). He also didn't think she was down to earth.

Ayinde is ultimately disappointed, not having found his Mrs. Huxtable. He tells Patti her service doesn't work. She is pissed. Check out their exchange here:

Okay this is the thing: Ayinde needs to save his money and stop using Patti's service. He should leave California and move to D.C. I can introduce him to PLENTY of women who meet his requirements: smart, beautiful, down to earth. There are more than enough qualified candidates here in the nation's capital.

With the number of single, college-educated professional Black women out there (hasn't he read any of the articles in the past 2 years), why do you think Ayinde hasn't found his "Mrs. Huxtable?"

Let me know your thoughts.

Money & Friends, Money & Men

2011-10-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

So, I'm watching an old episode of Sex & The City and Carrie needs money. She has to find a new apartment, but doesn't have enough for a down payment. The bank will not give her a loan because she doesn't have good credit or enough in her savings account.

She goes to her ex-boyfriend, BIG, and tells him about her problem. He writes her a check for $30,000.

When she tells her girlfriends that BIG gave her money to put down on a New York apartment, they have mixed feelings.

Miranda offers to give her the money instead, at least half. Samantha offers to give her the other half. Charlotte doesn't say anything.

Later, Carrie confronts Charlotte about why she didn't offer to loan her money (like Samantha and Miranda). Carries tells Charlotte that if she was in trouble and needed money she would be there for her.

So my first question is, if you were in financial need would you accept money from your man - your boyfriend? Does it matter how long you guys have been dating? What if he was your fiance? What about your ex-boyfriend?

Now, $30,000 is a lot of money. Would you lend that much to a friend of you had it to spare?

Let me know your thoughts.

Women and Leadership

2011-10-06T05:49:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago I was listening to a local gospel station on my way in to work. The question of the day was: Who were the better leaders - men or women?

Well, this woman calls in. I would say she was maybe mid-30s, mid-40s. She said that men were the better leaders because women were too emotional and vindictive by nature.

Whoa ! That's pretty harsh.

But what do you think of what she said?
Do you think women don't make good leaders because they're too emotional?
Do you think women are vindictive by nature?

What has been your experience with a male or female boss?
(I must say that when I was in school, I felt that my female professors graded harder than my male professors. But maybe that was because they were trying to get me to do my best.?)

Let me know your thoughts.

Where You At?

2011-10-05T05:33:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I was listening to the entertainment report on the radio and heard that R&B soulstress Jennifer Hudson has postponed her wedding - again.

According to the report, this time its because her fiance, David Otunga, has refused to sign a prenuptial agreement. Media outlets are crediting the urban gossip website MediaTakeOut with the exclusive news. Here's the brief post.

As you know, Jennifer and David have been together a few years now and have a 2-year-old son. Otunga, a Harvard graduate, appeared on the VH1 reality show I Love New York 2 and is now a WWE wrestler. And Jennifer, who's lost more than 80 pounds, is riding high with a great new album and as a successful Weight Watchers spokeswoman. (I don't even need to mention girlfriend's Oscar).

Of course, this is just a rumor. But do you think it's wrong for Jennifer to ask her fiance to sign a prenup?

Let me know your thoughts.

Lawn Care

2011-10-03T12:57:00.001-07:00

I woke up Friday morning to my neighbor across the street mowing my lawn.

Now, this summer he asked me if he and his sons (4 of his 10 kids live with him at times) could cut my grass. He made it seem as if the young men would be making money for the summer.

So I said, sure. (I mean, why not give young people an opportunity to earn some honest cash while they're out of school?)

But this idea turned out to be a disaster.

First of all, I don't carry cash. So, as usual when someone cuts my grass, I wrote a check. When I asked him for the correct spelling of his name, he said "What am I going to do with a check?"

I told him that I always pay my lawn people with a check, but I could stop by the bank to get some cash. Well of course, I never remembered to stop by the bank. He would send his son over to bang on my door every night - until I had the money.

One evening I had come home from teaching a Jazzercise class and was in the shower when I heard loud banging on my door. It was 9 pm. It startled me.

After that, they would wait for me to either leave out in the morning or come home in the evening and ask me when they could cut my grass again. They live directly in front of me, so they always saw when I left out and when I came in. It became sort of annoying.

My neighbor assured me that he got his bank account "fixed" so I eventually gave them a day and time to cut my grass again.

Well, the second time they did my grass, I wrote a check again. But this time he told me he couldn't do anything with a check on the weekend because he wouldn't be able to cash it until Tuesday.

Again, I kept forgetting to stop by the bank to get cash. And that meant more banging on my door every night and more watching me come and go every day.

This was becoming more than it was worth.

My previous lawn guys would do my front and back yards and I would leave a check in my mailbox for them. Simple.

So, I had decided that I would go back to my old lawn guys. It would be less of a headache.

But Friday morning I woke up to my neighbor mowing my lawn. I was like WHAT? I did not ask him to mow my lawn and he did not ask me if it was okay to cut my grass that morning.

Granted, my grass was a little high and needed to be cut. But I believe as the homeowner, I should decide when I want to get my grass cut and who should cut it.

Anyway, as I locked my front door and walked to my car, he came running over (because you know they watch when I leave out and when I come in) asking when I wanted him to do the backyard.

I asked him why he cut my grass. He said it was high. I told him that he should have asked me. I explained that I would pay him for the front, but I did not want him to do the back.

Well, he was PISSED.

He said he didn't want my money and that he had enough customers anyway.
I insisted on paying him for the front, but he walked away.

What do you guys think?
Do you think I was wrong to ask him to ask me to cut my grass?
Do you think it was okay for him to just come over without an appointment and do my lawn?
And what about the whole "checks" thing?

Manifesting Love (Part 2)

2011-10-02T18:15:00.000-07:00

In my last blog, I wrote about a teleclass I listened to by relationship expert Matt Boggs and motivational speaker Lisa Nichols titled "The 3 Secrets to Manifesting Love."

I noted how we may be self-sabotaging ourselves with our own negative self images.

Tonite I want to talk about Boggs' second "secret" to manifesting love. Boggs calls it the Law of Polarity - basically that feminine energy attracts masculine energy.

"A man's sense of self-worth or manhood, is what he's contributing to you," said Boggs. "Your ability to receive from him ignites his masculine energy and your feminine energy."

Women should learn how to "joyfully receive" Boggs said.

hmmmm. Okay. I can do that. (lol)

Then Boggs said something that was quite interesting: "There is one thing that men want more than sex and that is to have their thoughts respected." Men "want respect," Boggs emphasized.

"When you don't allow a man to step up and lead, then you are communicating 'I don't trust you to provide for me and your ability to take care of me.'

Boggs continued: "A man will seek you out when he feels like a man in your presence."

hmmm.

I remember the time I went out to dinner with a guy. It was a popular restaurant and there was a wait. When the host asked for his last name to put us on the waiting list, he could barely open his mouth to tell the host his name. So I spoke up for him, for us - and spelled HIS name out for the host.

Geez. But I guess he didn't feel like a "man" in my presence. Now that I think about it, maybe my actions "disrespected" him.

Anyway, what do you think of what Boggs' said?

Manifesting Love (Part 1)

2011-09-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

In August, I listened to a teleclass by motivational speaker Lisa Nichols and relationship expert Mat Boggs. They lectured on the "3 Secrets to Manifesting Love." They claimed that they could help listeners increase our ability to manifest and experience love.

Ha (I'm still single).

Anyway, one of the "secrets" Boggs said was to change our self image. He asked, "What is your hidden self-image?" He noted, "It's always in alignment with your current results."

hmmm. Interesting.

Boggs said that our thoughts, beliefs and actions have a direct impact on what we get out of life - including love. He noted that we may actually be self-sabotaging ourselves by what we think of ourselves.

I liked where he was going with that.

"Who do you believe yourself to be?" Boggs asked. "How much love do you believe you deserve?"

I hear ya Matt: How many times have we put up with some bullsh$t because we thought we couldn't do any better? How many times has our low self-esteem caused us to deal with guys we knew were no good, but we kept going back anyway (out of loneliness maybe)?

I guess there was a time when I didn't have the most positive self-image. I came up with a whole bunch of reasons why I couldn't attract the type of guy I wanted: I had natural hair. I'm overweight. I wasn't tall. I lived in a bad neighborhood. I wasn't polished enough, yada yada yada....

But once I started having a more positive image of myself, I began to attract guys. Now, am I attracting the type of guy I want? Naw... not really. (LOL !!!)

However, I had to stop feeling sorry for myself and concentrate on my assets. In fact, I am convinced that I am great catch - LOL !!! I know that I am not the most beautiful, the most fit, the most successful or have the greatest personality. But I do believe I have a lot of good qualities and a lot of love to give someone special.

Think about it. Men like women with confidence, women who are self-assured, women who BELIEVE in themselves. The comedian Monique ALWAYS has a man (good-looking men too).

So I ask:
Do you have a positive image of yourself?
Have you been unconsciously self-sabotaging your love life with negative thoughts of yourself?

Have you ever thought you couldn't get a date because of your weight, height, skin color or some other physical superficial trait?
Do you believe you haven't found love because of your education or your success?

Do you believe you're a great catch?
Have you ever let your insecurities get the best of you?
Do you believe you DESERVE good love?

Here's your assignment. Puff your chest up. Stand up tall. Hold your head up high. Now say with conviction: By golly, I am a damn good catch ! - LOL :)

And believe it !

A Mom at 50

2011-09-28T20:52:00.001-07:00

As you guys can see, I'm in a writing mood.

Anyway, got my New York Magazine today. On the cover is a woman over 50 and pregnant. The cover line says, "Is She Just Too Old For This?"

I flip to the article and see the headline: Parents of A Certain Age. Right above, there's a question — "Is there anything wrong with being 53 and pregnant?" (Read the story here.)

hmmm.

I love my twin nephews and my niece. I LOVE being around them and miss them when I'm not with them. They bring a sense of JOY in my life and just the thought of them makes me SMILE. (Adam saw the nail polish on my toes and innocently asked, "does that hurt?" - lol) But as I get closer to 40, I wonder: Do I want to be a mom - NOW?

I see how my sister juggles three kids and a job — and man, it's hard work. It takes a lot of strength, energy, patience and selflessness. I just get tired thinking about all the stuff she does. It's a big sacrifice. You no longer just have yourself to think about.

So, I have to confess, right now, at this moment, I like my freedom. I can go wherever I want when I want (money and time — and deadlines — permitting) and do what I want to do without worrying about the safety and well-being of another person. I see how my sister is limited in what she can do and where she can go because she can't find a babysitter for the twins or Gabrielle, my niece. She has to take off work when one of the kids is sick and I can't tell you the last time she was able to sit peacefully and observe a church service (those twins are something in church). It can be daunting at times (my sister has called me in tears).

I have to be honest: Do I want to deal with all that at 50? (when other moms are shipping their kids off to college)

But all around me, I see women choosing motherhood — by any means necessary. And they are HAPPY.

So what do you think?
Is 50 too old to START a family?
Would you want to be 53 and pregnant?
For you, is there a cut-off age of when you want to have children? 45? 50? 60?
What are some factors that you will take in consideration in deciding whether or not to have children after age 40?

Let me know your thoughts.

Sanders vs. Sanders

2011-09-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

There's a RUMOR going on that Deion Sanders served his wife, Pilar, with divorce papers. According to this piece on BlackAmericaWeb.com, Mrs. Sanders was taken by surprise.

An article on the website HelloBeautiful claimed that the former professional football player and spokesman said: “Enough is enough. I never signed up for all this. Enough is enough. If I wanted a model or a television star I would have married one a long time ago. All I wanted was a housewife.”

Lately Pilar has been seen on VH1's Football Wives and most recently Single Ladies. She and her husband of 11 years even had a show on the Oxygen network called Pilar & Deion: Prime Time Love. I read on Bet.com that the model and mother of three is trying to expand her brand with a new perfume and is even dipping into music.

But according to several news outlets, including this piece on thegrio.com Deion has emphatically denied filing for divorce, posting on twitter: "Ladies and gentlemen I never address IGNORANCE but I must at this point. I've never filed 4 divorce and hadn't made a statement to ANY media... When we start viewing, relying and believing gossip sites for information it says alot about oneself! God bless u all, Live, Love and Laugh!"

Well, I have to say this - none of us really knows what's going on in this marriage. On the outside, they are a beautiful couple indeed. But no one knows what goes on behind closed doors and out of the reality spotlight.

I hope these RUMORS aren't true: that Deion is leaving his wife because she wants to pursue a career outside the home. As an NFL wife, she supported him through the ups and downs of his football career. Now I hope he supports her as she tries to make a name for herself on her own.

Thoughts?

Morning Quote

2011-09-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

I came across this quote this morning in my inbox from Oprah.com and had to share it:
“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow—this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.”

— Elizabeth Gilbert

Wow.

This is a powerful statement. And isn't this what we all want — to have someone, despite all our faults and imperfections, love us anyhow?

aaaahhhh....

Loving Him (Part 2)

2011-09-26T18:25:00.001-07:00

So today I want to talk about Daddy issues.

On one of the episodes of Basketball Wives, cast member Evelyn Lozado confronted her father about not being there for her growing up. She said during the episode, "When you don't have a father in your life, that's just such a big part of your life missing." She noted that she was looking for love in all the wrong places because she didn't have a father and that a lot of the bad decisions that she made had to do with the fact that her father was absent from her life.
Check out the video below:

Get More: Basketball Wives, Full Episodes, Reality TV Shows

hmmm.

As a child, did you see your parents in a loving relationship? Was your father in the home? Do you think the relationship you witnessed as a child between your parents has any impact on your romantic situation today? If your father wasn't in the home, do you think that has had an impact on how you relate to men?

Think about it.

How did your father treat your mother? Did you have a positive example of Black Love in your home? Do you want someone like your father? Was your image of men shaped by your relationship with your father?

A male friend told me that his mother and father were always loving toward one another and his father taught him to always respect his mother. He said more than anything he wanted the kind of relationship his parents had. He got married right after college and today he and his wife have five children. He adores his wife like his father adored his mother.

So I ask: Is your expectation of a relationship based on what you learned or witnessed growing up? (How can you do any better when you don't know any better? How can you emulate what you don't see?)

Do you believe your single situation today has anything to do with how you learned to relate to men growing up? Did you have a male figure in your life to show you how you are suppose to be treated?

Man. I got a lot of questions - LOL !

Let me know your thoughts.

Loving Him (Part 1)

2011-09-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I was reading the Huffington PostDC and came across an article titled, "How to Make a Man Fall in Love with You." Well you know I had to check it out.

In the piece, author Dr. Ali Binazir lists 3 ways to make a man fall in love with you. I was most interested in the last reason which was: Bring out the Best in Him.

According to Binazir: "A man will steadily fall more and more in love with a woman who steadily helps him become more and more the man he has always wanted to be. Not only can you help nurture the vision that he has of his own greatness, but you can go one step beyond and encourage him to be even bigger than he has ever imagined himself... He will feel taller, stronger, more capable, more masculine. And chances are that he's not getting anything like that anywhere else. Which means that he's more likely to stay with you for the long run."

This was interesting to me because we always talk about what a man is suppose to do in a relationship. He's suppose to be the provider and the protector. He's suppose to court us. He's suppose to take us out... and pay always (LOL) .

But I ask: What is your role in this relationship? Other than allowing him to call you and take you out on dates, what are you bringing to this (and don't say sex)? Are you encouraging? Are you supportive of his dreams? How are you helping him reach his goals? Are you a Help Mate? This is suppose to be a partnership, but is he doing all the work? Or do you believe your companionship should be good enough?

Think about it. Is a relationship suppose to be only what a man can do for you?

My former co-worker's wife BELIEVES in her husband and will tell anybody within earshot how great he is. She supports his goals and is his biggest cheerleader, doing everything SHE can to help him achieve his dream. No one and I mean no one, is better than HER man - lol! They've been married 25 years (and counting).

So, this week I've decided to do a series on this topic because I've come across several articles that talk about what attracts men.

In the meantime, let me know your thoughts on Dr. Binazir's theory. What do you think of the concept of being encouraging, supportive, nurturing? And if you're not, does that mean you're selfish?

holla at me.

Wedding Plans

2011-09-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

I was watching an episode of Basketball Wives LA (my new guilty pleasure) and one of the cast members said she was engaged for 9 years. She and her fiance ultimately broke up.

So, just a simple question today:
Would you be in engaged for 9 years? Why or Why not?

Once you get the ring, how long does it take to walk down the aisle?

I understand that there could be unforeseen circumstances — a family death, financial problems, conflict with setting a date because of other obligations, I mean anything...maybe the beautiful venue where you really, really wanted to hold your ceremony is so booked that it isn't available until 9 years from now and that's the ONLY place you want to get married. It's your dream spot - lol...

For example, I have a friend who was suppose to get married in August, but she postponed her wedding until next year because her aunt is suffering from cancer and could die any day now.

But she had already planned the wedding (got her gown, flowers, reception hall, etc.). She's waiting a year - not 9.

I don't know. It seems like an engagement goes beyond just having a ring. It's something about planning a wedding that makes it more concrete - hey, we're actually doing this, we're gonna be husband and wife.

But even PLANS change...(Cookie had planned a wedding twice before she and Magic actually tied the knot.)

Anyway, I'm going on and on now. So let me know your thoughts.

When a Man Cries

2011-09-19T20:03:00.001-07:00

Yall know I'm a hopeless romantic. So when I saw former pro-basketball player Doug Christie break down while saying his wedding vows (for the 16th time) to his wife Jackie during the most recent episode of Basketball Wives - LA, I was moved.

He choked up during the part, "in sickness and in health. I will cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

For a man to let his guard down and show his vulnerability, show the world how much he loves his wife — that's beautiful to me.

But I wasn't the only one moved. All the guests were crying too. (LOL)

Take a look at the Christies exchange vows for the 16th time and let me know what you think.

Get More: Basketball Wives LA, TV Shows, Full Episode Video, Reality TV Shows

A Virtuous Woman

2011-09-18T18:35:00.001-07:00

On a recent episode of The Millionaire Matchmaker, Patti Stanger enlists the help of relationship expert Dr. Pat Allen to get to the bottom of why William, a successful entrepreneur, can't seem to find love.

He tells her he wants a girl who makes him pursue her.

Dr. Allen tells him, "All she's got to do is keep her legs crossed. You've been had by women who've been trained to seduce you because you got a couple of bucks in the bank." (wow, I went to the wrong school - more on this later.)

He admits that after he has sex with a woman, he loses interest.

"A woman who passes the test of virtue, you can take home to your mom," Allen tells William. "Men fall in love with virtue not vaginas."

Interesting...Do you agree?

Check out the video below and let me know your thoughts.

The Caller

2011-09-17T19:50:00.001-07:00

On my way to Jazzericse this morning, I was listening to the Audrey Chapman Show. The relationship expert was talking to Ralph Richard Banks, author of the new book Is Marriage for White People? How the African American Marriage Decline Affects Everyone.

An older gentlemen called into the show. He talked about how great Black women were, how they were the backbone of the Black community and a lot of other nice, uplifting stuff.

Audrey asked him if he was married. He said no, but had lived with someone for 15 years. His lady love had died. At 58, he's now realizing how great she was.

Audrey asked him why he never married her.

He explained that he was a writer and never, really had a steady job. He believed that a husband is suppose to provide and felt that he was not financially stable enough to get married.

"But what was the difference between living with someone for 15 years and marrying them?" Audrey asked.

This man hemmed and hawed and gave some type of non-answer.

"She probably wanted to get married," he finally surmised with a bit of regret in his voice.

But Audrey made it clear: She wanted to get married.

It was sad to hear because this lady had been with this man for I don't know how long, lived with him for 15 years and died without ever calling him husband. And at nearly 60 he's thinking about what could have been.

hmmmm.

Maybe she didn't want to get married. Obviously she stayed with this man for 15 years without a ring. Maybe she was content with the way things were. If she was unhappy she would have left - right?
Do you think they would have married if she had demanded they get married (or else I'm out)?
Do you think he used his financial situation as an excuse?

Let me know your thoughts.

A Hairy Situation

2011-09-14T12:11:00.001-07:00

I had a hair appointment this morning. I was on time.

I, along with 3 others, sat in the reception area waiting for our stylists to show up. I was happy that I had picked up a muffin and juice on my way in. Starving, I had skipped breakfast to make sure that I got to my appointment on time.

The receptionist finally said, "Lottie, Suzie (not her real name) said she's on her way." This was about 9:10.

On her way? My appointment was at 9 a.m. and she's calling at 9:10 saying she's on her way?

I was a little dismayed. First of all I park at a meter and made a special stop at the bank to get quarters - enough to last for my appointment. But I realized that I would have to keep feeding the meter before my appointment was up.

After checking to see how much time I had left on the meter, I went back inside to find the shampoo lady getting her hair washed.

Huh?

Isn't she suppose to make sure that customers get their hair washed before she decides to take care of her own locs?

This appointment was not starting off well.

Anyway, the shampoo lady finally decided to wash my hair and I'm disappointed. The water is too hot and she's rough - maybe she's in a hurry ?

I don't know. But I tell her the water's too hot and kindly ask her if she could be a little more gentle.

A little aside: One of the things that I really enjoy is getting my hair washed. I love the scents of the different shampoos and conditioners. But most of all I enjoy the nice head massages that I usually get.

My stylist finally shows up. It's 9:35.

She's smiling, unapologetic about her tardiness. She does my hair, I give her a tip (but not the usual amount) and I'm off. But I'm really thinking about going to another hair salon.

See, this isn't the first time I've experienced this type of behavior at this salon. There have been many times I've shown up for my appointment and my stylist isn't there yet. Most of the time she apologizes for her tardiness. The excuse use to be traffic.

Well, she had a baby in May and came back in July. I do understand that she has to work out all the kinks of being a new mother.

But...

I've been going to this specific salon for about 3 or 4 years now, just a little bit before I decided to loc my hair. I chose this salon because it is close to my job - less than 5 minutes. I purposely book my appointments during the middle of the week - a Tuesday or Wednesday - to make sure I'm not waiting for hours on a Friday or Saturday. I also always make sure that I'm my stylist's first appointment so that I can get in and out. But most of all I like the great hair care they provide - like the herbal treatments - and healthy products they use.

I've tried another salon before and it isn't the same. My hair doesn't feel or look the same and doesn't last as long. (Must be the products.)

So I ask, am I going a little overboard with thinking about finding another salon?
Do you think I should be a little more understanding since my stylist recently had a baby - trying to juggle her new role as a mother with her job?
Should I dismiss the tardiness, just over look it?(What about respect for my time?)
Should I require more professionalism out of a salon (why is the shampoo lady getting her own hair done before the customers?)?
Should I just suck it up because this is how hair salons operate?

Shouldn't good customer service be just as important as good hair care?
What would you do?

Let me know your thoughts.

Marrying up

2011-09-13T12:02:00.001-07:00

What's wrong with that?

So what gives

2011-09-11T18:29:00.001-07:00

I met three guys this weekend.
Two of them asked for my number.
One of them called tonite.

Ironically, the one I was most attracted to didn't seem that interested in getting to know me.

I met him yesterday at the National Council of Negro Women Black Family Reunion celebration. I had decided to check out the festival before going to church.

I walked into the Health pavilion and saw a table for vision screening, another for body wraps. I stopped at the My Weight Doctor booth to get some info on weight loss.

As I walked out of the tent, a man walked out beside me.

"How you doing?" he asked. He was tall, dark with a shaved head. He had on a crisp white shirt. Neat, dark denim jeans. More than casual brown shoes. A gold ring on his pinky finger.

"I'm great. And you?" I asked.

"I'm doing pretty good."

He had a nice smile.

"It's such a nice day. But the ground is still wet from the rain earlier this week," I said.

"Yeah the ground is damp."

We kept walking and talking and walking and talking. He told me his name. I told him mine.

I learned that he was from Texas. He's lived in this area (Va.) for two years and works in Fort Belvoir. He likes it here. Lots of stuff to do he said.

I told him that the event used to be bigger - 2 days.

I saw him look over at one of the tents where a young dance company was performing. He seemed like he wanted to check them out.

"Well, I won't hold you up," I said. I held out my hand, "nice meeting you."

"It was good meeting you to Lottie."

"Alright, talk to you later," I said.

And that was it. I walked away.

He didn't ask for my number, my card or anything. At that point, the ball was in his court and I believe that if he was genuinely interested in me he would have asked how he could contact me, stay in touch.

But he didn't.

So, what gives?
Do you think he was married? I didn't see a ring (but that doesn't mean anything).
Do you think he has a girlfriend and was just being polite?
Why was he doing all that walking and talking?

Maybe he just wasn't into me after our conversation.

I don't know guys. What do you think?

Let me know your thoughts.

A Weighty Issue

2011-09-09T01:09:00.000-07:00

So, I'm up again at 4 a.m, flipping through tv channels. I land on Bridezillas. It's one of the "Where are They Now" episodes.

Anyway, I was appalled when I saw that one of these obnoxious bridezillas had weighed her bridesmaids on national tv and then got rid of the ones she thought were overweight.

What?!!

First of all, these were women SHE asked to be in her wedding. Didn't she know what size they were when she first asked them to be a bridesmaid? If she was so concerned about their weight, why ask them at all?

But that's not even the point.

These were supposedly her good friends who SHE wanted to be part of her special day. She's known these women for years. I'm sure she didn't care about their size when she needed to get out of a difficult situation or needed a shoulder to cry on during a personal tragedy.

So, why all of a sudden are these women not good enough? What does size have to do with friendship?

I was disgusted.

I think it's rude to ask someone to be in your wedding and then throw them out because they don't meet YOUR weight requirements - they're not the size YOU want them to be. It's hurtful and a disregard for others' feelings.

What do you think? Have you seen a situation like this?

Let me know your thoughts.

Big Sexy

2011-09-08T01:14:00.001-07:00

The new TLC show Big Sexy follows the lives of plus-size women who confront the realities of living in a world that doesn't value women over a size 2.

Comedian Erica Watson was on the most recent episode. Check out what she says about dating:

Thoughts?

Being a Girl

2011-09-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

I know image is everything. Appearance is important. (yada, yada, yada)

But man, being a girl is expensive - the hair, the nails, the waxing (all over - lol), the makeup.

Let's not talk about clothes or shoes — or the undergarments that make us look good in those clothes.

By the way, has anyone found stylish high heels that I can walk in, dance in or stand in for more than 2 hours? geez...

And what about the dang accessories to go with the outfit - the fashion belts, jewelry, cute handbags.

And then you want me to do what? $%#t!

Even though I don't consider myself high maintenance — minimal makeup, conservative clothing (for the most part), comfortable shoes — I feel like I need a raise just to look presentable !

I know, I know: Some guys are into grooming just as much as some women. But I'm just doing a little venting on this rainy afternoon.

I have to admit though, don't you feel good when you look great? It's definitely a confidence booster.

So, tell me:
Do you know anyone who won't leave the house without makeup? Will you?

Do you know someone who will refuse to attend an event because her hair isn't done? What about you?

Have you ever decided not to go somewhere because you didn't have anything to wear (even though you have a closet full of clothes)?

Can you tell when someone's feet hurt in her super cute shoes?

Has there been a time when you've thrown on sweatpants, a baggy t-shirt, old sneakers and a hat to make a quick run to the grocery store - and then ended up in Target?

How do you look when you go to the gym? Does your top match your shoes? Are you fully made up or do you wear a scarf to protect your hair?

Would you date a guy who gets manicures?

Tell me your stories about being a girl.

The Right Way

2011-09-05T16:22:00.001-07:00

Last week I had the pleasure of being a substitute journalism professor at Howard University. I taught a Magazine journalism class, which consisted of 10 ladies and one man. I asked them who they liked and they all said - BEYONCE !

Beyonce? Why?

They were thrilled about her new baby bump.

One student explained: "She did it right. She concentrated on her career, became successful, met someone, fell in love, got married and now she's having a baby."

The one guy said: "She not having a whole lotta babies out of wedlock." (Was he making a snide reference to Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu?)

And another student told me: "She is showing us that you can have it all — the successful career, husband and family. She's a role model."

"And he loves her," a student in the back added. "Did you see how happy Jay was?"

They all nodded in agreement.

I smiled. I know these students probably look at women in my generation and shake their heads. We are the ones that the news stories are about: successful Black women who can't find a mate.

They see Beyonce not only as their role model, but as a peer to look up to: If she did it, so can I.

They want the career and success, but they also want a family. Beyonce is showing them that they can have it all.

Thoughts?

Call Waiting

2011-08-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after my Jazzercise class one of the students, a White male between his mid-40s or mid-50s, came up to me. "Can I call you sometime?" he asked.

"Sure," I replied and wrote my number down on a piece of paper.

A few weeks earlier, he had come up to me and slipped me his number. I put it in my purse, but never called him. So I guess he thought it would be better if he asked for mine.

Last month, the men of Omega Psi Phi fraternity held their centennial celebration here in the nation's capital. I met several guys, one was a doctor from Tennessee.

We talked a good while and he gave me his card before I left to go home. (My feet were killing me!) Not once did he ask for my number or inquire about how he could keep in touch with me.

A few people have asked me if I've heard from the doctor. I haven't heard from the doctor because I refuse to call the doctor. I don't think "The Doctor" was that into me. If he was - he would have asked for my number or my card or a way to contact me. Instead he wanted me to call him the next day - I guess maybe to hang out.

But I had to put that weekend in perspective. For guys, it was a weekend of fun. They were hanging with their bruhs, who knows how many other women "the doctor" gave his number to; better yet, who he had waiting for him back in Tennessee.

Did I miss out on a good thing? Who knows? I doubt it.

But I'm sticking to my belief: If a guy doesn't ask for your contact information (number, email, business card), he's really not that interested in getting to know you. He's just not that into you.

Thoughts?
Let me know how you feel.

Can You Have It All?

2011-08-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Success. Marriage. Family.

A few years ago on the Real Housewives of New York, Bethenny Frankel tearfully confessed to her then-friend Jill Zarin how she longed for a husband and family, yet her career was just taking off and she wanted to realize her dreams, be successful.

Jill gently told her, you can't have it all. She had to choose: successful career or family.

Well, Bethenny has it all. Earlier this year she graced the cover of Forbes magazine. Frankel, 40, had recently sold her Skinnygirl Margarita drink for $100 million. She also is a New York Times best-selling author and has her own show on Bravo, Bethenny Ever After about, guess what - her family. She has a handsome husband and beautiful little baby.

She's living her dream: family and success.

But can you really DO it all - and be successful at all of it?

I recently interviewed an entrepreneur who once owned a billion dollar company. She sold her company after she had a child. She learned, she said, that she couldn't give 100% to her company and 100% to her child. She wanted to be a great mother as well as a great business owner. "I didn't have 300% inside me," she said.

Oprah has noted the sacrifices it takes to be a great mother. She's said that she could not have done her show the way she did it, if she had had children. She also has said that if she had gotten married she would be divorced because with marriage there are expectations.

Those expectations may have led to the breakup of Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. They married, had twins and everything seemed cool. Ironically once Jennifer re-entered the workforce — as a judge on AMERICAN IDOL, commercials for L'Oreal and Gillette, a new album — her marriage unraveled.

Obviously we see women everyday who are able to juggle careers and family. There's no better example than Michelle Obama, an Ivy-league educated professional who is able to carry out her duties as First Lady, be a supportive spouse to the President and raise two well-adjusted children.

But you also can't ignore the fact that two of the most powerful Black women in the world, Oprah Winfrey and Condoleeza Rice, don't have families.

So I ask:
Is it possible to give 100% to a family and 100% to a career?
Does your family life determine how far you can go with your career?
Can I be super, uber successful and have a supportive spouse who understands my ambition or will I be expected to put my career on hold to be the supportive spouse of a successful mate?

whew.

Let me know your thoughts.

A Test Run

2011-08-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

So, what if you went out on a date with a guy - your first date - and he left his wallet at home? What would you do? Would you offer to pay for dinner (how else are you guys gonna get out of the restaurant - lol)?

Would you be upset, pissed off? Would you think he left it on purpose because he was cheap?

Okay, now - What if you found out later that he was only testing you to see how you would react? What if he confesses that he only did that to see if you were a gold-digger?

How would you feel?

Let me know your thoughts.

Partner or Provider?

2011-08-20T19:54:00.001-07:00

After my Jazzercise class this morning, a woman was talking to me about her 29-year-old son. He's dating a girl, she said, who is a registered nurse and is in school getting a master's degree. She eventually wants to be a doctor.

That's great, I said.

My son, she told me, works for a security company and does some club promoting on the side. But he's not going to settle down with her.

Why not, I asked.

Well, he doesn't feel accomplished around her, she said.

I listened.

She tried to explain: "Have you read Steve Harvey's book? The second one?"

No, I confessed.

"Well, in it he says a REAL man does 3 things for his lady: He's a protector, a provider and professes his love for her in public," she said. "My son doesn't think he can be a good provider at this time."

I understood. Her son didn't want to commit to a young lady because he thought she was too ambitious. He didn't feel BIG enough around her.

"You know you have to lift a man's ego," she said.

I could tell she really liked the young lady and was a bit disappointed with her son: "I know at some point you have to let your child grow up and make their own mistakes," she said.

But I realized as a person gets older and matures they want different things.

For example, as I get closer to 40 some women in my age group would like to have a man who is a provider (though they've been on their own for most of their life) and others just want a partner.

Me? Right now, I just want someone to rub my feet (LOL !)

What about you?
Do you want a provider or a partner?
Have your wants changed as you've gotten older? If so, how?

(Almost) Perfect

2011-08-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

He was (almost) everything I wanted.

Strong in mind and body. Smart. Good-looking. Passionate. A gentleman.

We talked about everything from social issues to gentrification, community-organizing, history, sports.

I was impressed.

I don't remember the last time I had such an intellectually stimulating conversation (with a man not my boss). I felt a little excitement growing in my belly.

He seemed to be the total package: beauty, brains and class.

Then he mentioned his two kids.

damn.

But I was even more disappointed when I met the woman of the house...

Insomnia -II

2011-08-10T00:55:00.000-07:00

Why am I dealing with this dude?

He seemed cool at first. But I've realized we don't have much in common. The more time I spend with him, the less I like him.

He lacks substance.

I guess I'm bored and he's there, just something to do until something better comes along...

Sun Flowers

2011-07-29T14:03:00.001-07:00

I got flowers yesterday. They are beautiful — lillies, pink roses and some blue ones - lol. They weren't from a guy. But that's okay. They made me smile.

The lady who cleans our office came in, "Oh, someone loves you," she said, admiring my lovely bouquet.

No, not yet, I told her.

"My husband gives me too many flowers," she said. "He'll show up, 'Surprise!' It's too much."

I smiled, "No, it's never too much."

I tell you, we don't appreciate what we have until it's gone. I remember a time when I used to receive flowers. I think I sort of took it for granted that I would always have someone there to give me flowers.

Wow, how presumptuous I was back then - lol.

When was the last time you received flowers from a romantic interest?

Insomnia

2011-07-28T21:50:00.001-07:00

I miss strong arms around me, holding me tight.

All That Glitters

2011-07-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

They were like the modern day Cosbys: He with his Ivy League education and she with a successful, ever-growing business. On the outside they looked liked the perfect, happy couple.

Then it all fell apart.

I got a good talking to today from a friend going through a divorce. She cautioned me about my list (a successful, college-educated man, never married, no kids).

"I had the kind of man all my friends wanted," she said.

After an extravagant wedding and a romantic honeymoon in Paris, they settled in to live happily ever after. But more than a decade later he was gone and she was dealing with raising a child alone.

"I felt more lonely in my marriage than I do today," she explained.

She talked of how her accomplished husband's insecurities clashed with her growing ambition.

I understood what she was saying: just because a man was successful and college-educated didn't mean I was going to be happy.

"Be careful what you wish for," she warned.

Marriage is hard work, my friend noted.

I haven't hidden my desire for a mate, a partner, someone to share my life with - til death do us part. However, I've also written on this blog how I didn't know how to be married and wondered if I'd be a good wife.

"A husband isn't going to make you happy. You have to already be happy with yourself first," she lectured.

I know. I know. I've heard it all before. But it still doesn't take away the sting of loneliness.

What do you think?
Let me know your thoughts.

Today, I am Working

2011-07-04T13:37:00.001-07:00

How's your 4th of July holiday?

I'm at work right now - pounding out a freelance piece. But I'm thinking about the movie, About a Boy. The 2002 film starred Hugh Grant, a single man who learns how to become a caring and responsible adult through his friendship with a curious little boy.

In the film, Grant's character notes that You can tell a person's status in life by how they spend the holidays. It was Christmas and Grant was the single man invited to the home of his married friends.

Today I am working. So, what does that say about me?

LOL.

But seriously I think Grant's character makes a point.

We single people usually gather together and make our own fun - especially on holidays like today. There was a time when you headed to someone's home on the 4th. You would eat some good BBQ, play games and meet other fun singles. You left with a phone number and a few new friends.

But I've learned as you get older, the cookout invitations decrease. People you used to see or hang out with are now, well, "booed up." They have plans with their significant other.

And me? Today I am working. Does that mean I care more about my career than my social life? I don't know. (these freelance gigs are paying the bills)

But I ask: How are you spending this holiday and what does it say about your status in life?

Let me know your thoughts.

Three Strikes - and You're Out?

2011-07-01T08:06:00.002-07:00

I'm working on a series about successful entrepreneurs. One mentioned in another publication that a family member once told her, "No one should ever get three strikes, because if they did it once, they're going to do it again."

Ouch.

It reminds me of the Maya Angelou quote, "The first time someone shows you who they are believe them."

But I tend to want to see the good in people, so I often give people the benefit of the doubt — maybe he/she's having a bad day or they'll do better the next time or ...

I mean, don't you think people deserve another chance, a second chance? From my own experience, when I make a mistake, I try to correct it as best I can and try my best not to make it again. You know, learning from your mistakes.

But then again, I've run into those who were dishonest and no matter how many chances I've given them to clean up their act, I often realize — late in the game — that I should have taken them for who they were — the first time.

I once confronted a guy I was dating about a lie he had told. He apologized profusely and said he was "going through some things and it wouldn't happen again." Well, it wasn't even a week later when he lied again. I looked at him and said, "You haven't changed."

I do believe people show us who they really are early on, (maybe not the first time) yet we decide to ignore the signs - until they bite us and we're left bitter, hurt and disappointed. And I'm not just talking about romantic relationships — friends and family too.

What about you?
Do you think it's a little harsh to dismiss someone the first time out or do you
give someone a few chances to redeem themselves?
Does it depend on the situation?
Does it depend on the person?

Let me know your thoughts.

Double Standard?

2011-06-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

While doing research for a project on the Black family, I found a few interesting statistics: In 1960, 67 percent of Black families had a husband and wife. Between 1970 and 2001, the marriage rate decreased by 17 percent in the U.S. - 34 percent among African Americans. Today nearly half, 47 percent, of Blacks have never been married.

Wow.

But here's something even more interesting — according to the latest Census data, though 45.2 percent of Black women have never married, 48.8 percent of Black men haven't either.

Huh?

Nearly half of Black men over the age of 15 have never married. Yet no one talks about that. Check out the Census table here. (Table 2).

Over the past 2 or 3 years, all I've seen is article after article after article talking about how Black professional women can't get married, can't find eligible mates, yada yada yada. I've been bombarded with television shows and news specials about the sad fate of the lonely Black woman — the college-educated professional doomed to life as a spinster. And there have been a slew of reality shows too centered around a Black woman's quest to find love.

Yet, no one talks about the Single Black Man.

What gives?

I think this is a double standard. In her article, "Marriage: Black Brother's Where Art Thou?" posted on NPR.org last year, my friend Tanya asked: What do black men say about why they aren't marrying black women? Check out her story here.

I second Tanya: Why doesn't anyone ask Black men why they aren't marrying? It's not like they don't have plenty of options (or maybe they have too many).

In fact, why aren't there TV specials or article after article on the single Black male? Why is our culture so fixed on the "lonely" Black woman?

Thoughts?

Bridezillas

2011-06-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

First let me say this: I need to stop watching, The Notebook. It is such a beautiful love story and I'm such a hopeless romantic. I yearn for a love like that — together until the end, til death do us part.

I also caught an episode of Bridezillas this weekend. I had never seen the show before, but I knew the premise just from the title: demanding divas having temper tantrums and over the top outbursts.

But I wasn't ready for what I saw. As I watched the show, I just couldn't imagine who would marry these girls. They were mean, spoiled, selfish. They had horrible attitudes, were nasty to their family and friends and cursed like drunken sailors. (One lady told her fiance, "I will stab you with these damn scissors.")

Yet, they were able to find men who wanted to marry them.

Huh?

Maybe all that craziness was just for the cameras. I hope so.

Below is a clip of the episode I saw this weekend:

Facebook Friends?

2011-06-13T08:36:00.000-07:00

Ever since the Weiner scandal broke a couple of weeks ago, a lot of attention is being given to the role of social media in destroying relationships.

Do you remember the Michigan man who broke into his wife's email and found out she was cheating on him? (He was later jailed for hacking.)

So I have a couple of questions for you today:

1) Do you care who your husband or significant other "friend" on Facebook?

2) Would you want to know who all his "Friends" were — checking his account, reading his status updates, see who he's direct messaging?

3) What about Twitter? Would you mind if your husband or significant other "tweeted" suggestive, flirty or sexy things to another woman?

4) If the two never meet in person, is "sexting" considered cheating?

5) What constitutes cheating when it comes to social media?

6) If a married man flirts with a woman other than his wife on social media, is he committing adultery?

Let me know your thoughts.

The Good Wife

2011-06-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

Last year, I did a project about CHEATERS for my online magazine class. It was a story about powerful men who cheat accompanied by a photo slideshow featuring various notorious cheaters including Tiger Woods, Bill Clinton, Kwame Kilpatrick, John Edwards, Jesse Jackson, Elliot Spitzer and a host of others. Check out the story and slideshow here.

But with all the news of infidelity lately, it seems I may need to update that project.

Where do I start?
The most recent apologist is Anthony Weiner, 46, the combative Democratic congressman from New York. After lying for 10 days, he admitted in a tearful press conference that he had sent lewd photos to several women on Facebook and Twitter. He is married to Hilary Clinton's popular aide, the beautiful Huma Abedin. They were married a mere 11 months ago in a ceremony officiated by former president Bill Clinton. News reports have noted that Abedin, 35, is pregnant with the couple's first child.

The Weiner news came along just as the public grew tired of talking about Arnold Schwarzenegger. The former California governor admitted having a years-long affair with his housekeeper, Mildred Baena. In fact Ms. Baena, who was also married, gave birth to Arnold's son just a few days after his wife, journalist Maria Shriver gave birth to the couple's fourth child.

And just a few weeks ago, Bishop Eddie Long settled out of court with his accusers. As you may recall, last fall four young men accused the bishop of sexual coercion. They claimed that the mega-church pastor took them on trips and gave them a number of luxury items including cars, clothes and jewelry. The settlement is rumored to be in the millions.

But my mind isn't on the men right now. It's on the wives. Most of these men are married to beautiful, smart, ambitious women — Hilary Clinton, (the late) Elizabeth Edwards, Silda Spitzer, Maria Shriver and now Huma Abiden all have resumes that would equal their husbands.

Until recently, we've seen these great women stand stoically beside their husbands - the only support in a man's fall from grace.

So what gives? Why would these men risk everything — their career, their family, their reputation — for a few nights of pleasure?

"Smart women are boring," a male friend told me.

What? I said.

"I mean, those women they are cheating with have degrees in stuff yall don't," he said laughing.

What do you mean? I asked.

"They will do stuff smart women aren't willing to do," he explained.

So is that the deal?
These men marry the "good" girl - the well-educated, ambitious, career-driven mother of their children — and keep a few on the side to satisfy their sexual fantasies?

What yall think?

That's It - I'm Moving

2011-06-03T10:54:00.001-07:00

A few minutes ago, a friend sent me this Bloomberg article:
'Intellectual Meat Market’ Makes Washington Long Odds for Single Women.

The story looks at the latest Census Data noting that, "Washington has the highest ratio of women to men compared with all 50 states -- 112 females for every 100 males." It also found that "among residents between ages 20 and 39… women outnumber men by 13,716, up from about 6,000 a decade ago."

The odds get worse as you get older. One guy noted in the article that he flirted everywhere, "Dating, in general, is pretty much ours to lose," he said. (LOL !!!)

Anyway, a 30-something African American woman in the piece revealed that she dated throughout her 12 years in D.C., but usually "didn’t fit the power-couple image sought by many of her dates." I can relate.

She moved to New York three years ago. She's now engaged.

I know several folks who found love once they left this area. I've been talking about moving for a long time, but I would always use the bad real estate market as an excuse. It's time to stop talking.

But where would I go?

Thoughts?

Venting

2011-06-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

I'm tired of defending the type of man I want.

I've dated all kinds of guys - from the unemployed to the successful entrepreneur; the college-educated and the barely-finished high school; guys with kids and the busy bachelor; homeowners and the 'can't pay my rent.' Liars, hustlers, the nice guy, the church man, the mama's boy and the vegan.

I've been out here long enough. I know what I want. My entire 30s have been spent dating in D.C. I'm sick of it.

I'm ready to settle down in a committed, monogamous relationship with a marriage-minded mate.

jeez...

L-O-V-E

2011-05-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very, extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore can

When was the last time someone told you they loved you?
I'm not talking about your family or friends.

I'm talking about a romantic partner, someone you were
seriously dating, someone you were intimate with for a
length of time.

So think about it, when was the last time someone told you they loved you?

Now think about this: How did it feel?

I remember the last time. He got on his knees and said, "Lottie I love you." I recognized that it must have taken a lot for him to do that, but I didn't feel he was sincere. In fact the relationship ended shortly after he confessed his "love."

I also remember hearing those words from someone I knew really meant them. And I tell you, it was the absolute best feeling.

I believe that everyone wants to be loved - unconditionally (in fact I think love is a human need). I believe everyone wants to know that they matter to someone. I believe each of us wants someone in our lives who cares about us deeply.

What do you think?
(see this is what I get for watching The Notebook last night...)

Life or Death

2011-05-18T05:43:00.000-07:00

I know you guys think I'm just man-hungry — Poor Lottie, desperate for a man. But being in a committed, monogamous relationship, having a caring and loving partner is more than just wanting to have a companion or someone to share my life with. It's also about what we all need in this life: SEX !

Huh? What? Yep, I said it.

According to Dr. Mehmet Oz, "studies have shown that having sex once or twice a week increases immune function, reduces stress, improves mood, lowers blood pressure, and burns calories." In fact, in the January issue of O Magazine the doc included SEX as one of the 8 New Year's Resolutions to Make this Year.

Wow. I would like to lose a few pounds. I am pretty stressed-out these days. And I don't want to get sick. His recommendation sounds better than counting calories, meditating or popping pills.

Dr. Oz repeated the importance of a healthy sex life on a recent episode of The Wendy Williams Show. He said that if you have sex at least twice a week you will live three years longer. And during a taping of Oprah's All Stars earlier this year, Dr.Oz said having sex 3 times a week would be even better. He noted that if you have more than 200 orgasms a year, you can reduce your physiologic age by six years.

I mean, I want to live longer, don't you?

So for me it's more than just wanting a mate. This is a serious matter — a life or death situation.

Thoughts?

Twilight Zone

2011-05-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

I decided to ride the train this morning; you know, to try to save a lil money on gas. Plus it was a gorgeous day, a good opportunity to get some exercise in.

I sat on a platform bench, opened my book and waited for the train. A man with a bike approached me:
"Excuse me, can I talk to you for a minute."

I looked up. The man had on sneakers, dirty jeans with blue gloves in his back pocket and a stained white shirt. He had a long beard, with two small black rubber bands holding it together. Oh, and he had a white t-shirt over his head. I assumed the shirt was covering locs. In fact, the shirt on his head was cleaner than the shirt on his body. Dark shades covered his eyes.

"wassup," I asked.

"Well, I think you're a very nice-looking person and I just wanted to know if I could take you out some time."

Was he serious?

"I have a boyfriend," I said.

"Well, you know, everything don't last forever. Nothing's 110%."

geez...

"So, what's your name?"

"You on your way to work?" I asked.

Yeah, he said.

"What do you do?"

"I do a bunch of this and that, you know," he said. "I do some home maintenance. I do car detailing, that's where I'm going now."

Oh, okay.

"Have you ever heard of steel pan drums?"

Huh?

"You know, the steel drums?"

yeah.

"Well, I have a band, a steel pan drum band and we play at the Caribbean Festival every year on Georgia Ave. You been?"

Yeah, I've been. Years ago.

"Well, my band is always out there. We practice a lot - on Wednesday nights, sometimes on weekends."

You live around here? I asked him.

"Right now, I'm staying with my sister," he said. "But I plan to move one day."

How old are you?

"31. Anything wrong with that?" he said, taking off his shades.

No.

"I been talkin' to you all this time and you never told me your name."

"What's your name?" I asked.

"My friends call me Pete."

"Is that your name?"

"My birth name is Ali, but people call me Pete."

I heard the train and got up.

Pete handed me a card of a smiling man with long locs: "If you ever need someone to talk to you can give me a call."

I got on the train, but got off several stops away to transfer downtown. I was standing on the platform when I was approached again by a guy with dirty jeans and a white t-shirt. (Is this a new style I hadn't heard about?)

"Hey beautiful."

I mumbled a hello. He tried to engage me in conversation, but I hurried away. Not again.

What was this? Am I in the Twilight Zone?
Why am I attracting these guys? Why do they think I would be interested in them? I mean I don't think I'm dressed provocatively (I have on black slacks, a blouse and some white sneakers).

But most importantly why am I not attracting the type of guy I want?

Thoughts?

Observation

2011-05-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

Monday I was on the metro escalator and there was a man in front of me putting on his belt. His pants was so low I could see his underwear.

Now, notice I said, "man." This was not a little boy. This was not a teenager. This was a grown man, an adult.

I'm thinking: "You know you too old to be wearing your pants sagging so low." And then people wonder why they can't get a job? Who's gonna hire this guy? Seriously.

Anyway, at age what do you think young men should stop wearing sagging pants - 18? 21? 25?

The Proposal

2011-04-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

Last night on the VH1 reality show, Love and Hip Hop, Jim Jones' longtime love Chrissy proposed to the New York rapper. Chrissy had confided in her friend, singer Olivia that she and Jim had been together six years and she was ready for marriage and children.

As Chrissy picked out Jim's ring, she asked the jeweler about her decision: Do you think I'm a nut job for doing this?

"Sometimes we need a little push," the jeweler reasoned. "If we don't get a push, we can't get it done."

But Chrissy was still a little hesitant: He hasn't asked you, she told herself, maybe cause he's not ready.

Nevertheless, she cleaned out her "cookie jar" of savings and bought Jim's ring (and even looked at one for herself) saying defiantly, "He's worth it."

So in front of his family and friends, she did the damn thing:
"It's taken me a long time to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I want to spend it with you," Chrissy said through tears as she presented Jim with a ring. "Will you Marry me?"

Check out Chrissy's proposal below:

Love & Hip Hop |Olivia Longott |Somaya Reece |Mashonda Tifrere

I love Chrissy's spirit. She's sassy. She's tough. And she goes for what she wants.
But I don't know if I would propose to a guy.

So a few questions:
1) What about you? Would you propose to a guy?

2) What if he was a GREAT catch and you didn't want to lose him?

3) What if you had been dating a long time (more than 5 years) and really wanted to get married? Would you take the initiative and give him that "little push"?

4) Just because a guy hasn't proposed, does it mean he doesn't want to marry you?

Let me know your thoughts.

Edward - Part II

2011-04-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

My phone rang yesterday afternoon.

“Hello,” I said.

“Why haven’t I heard from you,” the caller demanded.

“Who is this?” I asked.

“This Edward. You took my number out your phone?”

As you recall, I met Edward last Monday at Au Bon Pain. I didn't save his number in my phone, which is why I didn't recognize it.

“So, what’s up? Why haven’t I heard from you?” he asked again.

“Girls, don’t call boys,” I explained.

“First of all, I’m a man,” Edward said. “And baby you need to get off that theory."

“Well, a MAN is suppose to court a woman,” I explained patiently.

“I don’t chase, baby,” he said.

“Chase?” I said. (Did I say chase?)

Then he went into his spiel:
“It’s 10 to 1 out here, so why would I chase any woman?
For everyone I lose, I gain 4.

“You need to get out of that pride thing and get with the program baby.
Men sitting at home chilling; women working all day and paying the bills.”

I interrupted him: “That’s not me.”

But he continued:
“You got an official dude right here and don’t know what to do with him.
I’m official like a referee whistle. I ain’t one of these clowns.
I handle my business. I’ll take you, spoil you, show you love. But I got to feel the love. I got to know you interested.

Edward wasn’t finished:
“I turn down women everyday. I mess with who I want to mess with.
I don’t play games. I see something. I go get it. I keep it 100.

“I know you probably got a lot of dudes chasing you. I can expect that.
All I care about is how you treat me.”

Then he got me upset:
“A lot of dudes, man sometimes I don’t know who’s wearing the pants and who wearing the skirts.
We suppose to be kings out here, but some dudes acting like princesses.
There ain’t never been a woman at the White House and it ain’t never gone be one either.”

I had had enough.

“I gotta go,” I said.

“When can I see you?” Edward asked.

“Call me Sunday.”

LOL – I know it sounds crazy. I know Edward is a chauvinistic little thug, but he amuses me.

Plus, he’s great fodder for my blog.

Any thoughts on what Edward said?

Love Story

2011-04-15T11:34:00.001-07:00

I knew a man had to be involved.

I mean, when a woman decides to just up and leave - selling everything she owns including the clothes off her back - well, it must be love.

Or so she thinks.

Anyway, I attended a going away party last night for a friend who is moving to Ghana. She lost her job with the federal government in January, went to Ghana for a much-needed vacation and met a man.

Ahh, yes.

If there's one thing that can turn our lives around and upside down, it's a man- "a FINE man," she told me. (lol)

Well, after three months of what must have been a whirlwind romance, she's ditching D.C. and heading to Africa. She plans to live with her new love temporarily until she gets her business set up and moves into her own place.

I stared at her long and hard last night. She beamed as she greeted each guest and danced until nearly everyone had left. She looked so HAPPY- absolutely radiant! And why shouldn't she? She's living the life she wants - my kinda hero.

I know this sounds like some kind of Terry McMillan novel or even one of those tearjerker love stories. But I Love the fact that she's writing her own story.

I wish her well. I wish her luck. I wish her LOVE.

Tell me: Would you move across the world to be with a man you had only known for three months?

What are your thoughts?

What Up Shawty?

2011-04-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

On Monday evening I walked into the Au Bon Pain deli in downtown D.C. to get a cool drink. I wanted to sit outside and enjoy the nice weather before getting on the metro to meet a friend.

While picking up a straw and a few napkins, a young man came up to me.

"I would love to take you out to lunch," he said.

I looked at him. He looked young - late '20s maybe. He was extremely fair, slight build, maybe 5'8, 5'9. He had on gray acid-washed jeans, a tan vest with a white t-shirt underneath and some sneakers. A cross of Jesus Christ hung from his neck.

"Why?" I asked.

"Why?" he said, looking taken aback.

"Yeah, why. Why do you want to take me out to lunch?" I said, looking him in the eye.

"Because you're a beautiful young lady," he shot back.

"How old are you?" I asked.

"38," he said.

38? He looked really young. Maybe it was the way he dressed.

"What's your name?" I asked him.

"Edward," he said, stirring his coffee.

Edward followed me to the table outside and sat beside me while I drank my cool drink.

"So, can I take you out?" he asked again.

"I don't know. Are you married?" I said smiling.

He smiled, "no."

He had yellow teeth, so I asked him if he smoked. No, he said. "I don't smoke and I only drink socially."

Hmmm, I thought. It was either bad hygiene or bad grooming.

Anyway, we talked a little bit more. I found out Edward had 2 kids by a girl he had dated for 10 years — a girl and a boy, one 13, one 14.

"Why didn't you marry her?" I asked.

"You not suppose to get married just because you have kids," he said.

"But you were with her for 10 years," I said.

"Yeah, but I met her when I was real young," he pointed out.

He works as a marketing manager for a company that sells tubs for those with medical problems. He was off today taking care of business in family court.

I stared at his gray acid-washed jeans.

"You like my jeans," he said. "They cost $300."

"You need to get your money back," I said.

He laughed.

"So, can I take you to lunch," he asked again.

"I don't know," I said, the more I learned about him the less I liked him. But I remained opened. Who knows? He could really be a nice person.

"I'm gonna call you tonite - 9 p.m.," he said as he put my number in his phone.

Well, Edward called me at 10. I was in a metro station heading home.

This was his rap:
him - "I've been thinking about you all night."
me - Really, I said.
him - "Yeah. I was thinking about why you didn't have a man. Because you know, your body official and everything, so you must have a bad attitude."
(okay yall, excuse me if I'm not up on my hip hop slang, but what the hell is "official").
me - Silence
him - "I think you a player. But I'm gonna take care of that."
me - Really? How?
him - "See, when a woman's with me, she gets addicted. I'm addictive."
me - Silence.

The phone went dead. The call must have dropped. Good thing, because I don't know how much more I could have taken of Edward's conversation.

I haven't heard from him since. Guess, we're not gonna do lunch.

Thoughts?

Spam

2011-03-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

I blocked his number.

I got tired of his games: the lies, the empty promises. So I went to my Verizon wireless account and entered his number under the Spam controls section - because to me he was spam, wasting my time and filling my inbox with a bunch of junk mail.

Anyway, the spam control lasts 90 days - his will expire on 6/23/11 - that should be enough time for him to figure out that I don't want to deal with him anymore.

This was a long time coming. I consider myself a very patient and understanding person, but I became fed up with the nonsense. It was too much.

I didn't want to be a woman so desperate for a man that I would allow myself to be disrespected and mistreated. I believed I deserved better.

I am interested in dealing with an HONEST person who wants a serious, monogamous relationship.

Let's just say we didn't have the same goals.

Thoughts?

Chasing Love

2011-03-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

If you paid any attention to the media over the past two years you'd think Black women were the only ones looking for love. I mean it seemed like every month there was an article, radio show or television special about how successful Black women couldn't find a mate. But with the popularity of shows such as The Bachelor, which never runs out of contestants (the majority of whom are successful single White women) it's obvious we're not the only ones looking for love.

Believe it or not, men too are having a hard time finding that special someone. (I must admit that with the number of successful single women available, I find it difficult to believe that a man can't find someone. I personally believe singleness is a CHOICE for men. I think there are SO MANY single women, men are overwhelmed with the sheer number and don't know who to choose, scared they may miss out on the next big thing.)

But I digress.

Today I read an article on Salon.com about a 40-year-old man in San Francisco who is offering $10,000 to anyone who introduces him to his future wife.

Chas is a copywriter who is ready to get married and have a family. He created a website — Hook Chas up — to give people a glimpse of who he was. He creatively describes himself in a beautiful photo slideshow. You find out he's an optimistic guy who enjoys reading, music, scrabble, tennis and skateboarding. Oh, he likes monkeys too.

Chas explains in Salon that he had tried online dating, but it didn't work. But this sure looks promising. So far he's received more than 700 emails in just 2 weeks from folks who want to hook him up. Not bad.

I think Chas has a clever idea. Who knows if he will find his wife? Do you remember the African American woman who set up a website to find a husband in a year? Unfortunately, her story didn't end up with a trip down the aisle.

What do you think of Chas's idea?
Anyone want to move to San Francisco?

Let me know your thoughts.

Cater To You

2011-03-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

After I told one of my guy friends about my lack of a love life he decided he would school me a little, enlighten me.

You, he said, "aren't nurturing enough."

Huh? What do you mean? (What you talkin' bout Willis? - lol).

"You need to let a man know that you appreciate him," he said. "You need to make a man feel like you want him, like you need him. You need to make a man feel like a man."

geez...

Well, I personally feel like I do make men feel like I need them: I need them to change my lights because I can't reach them; I need them to change my smoke detector batteries because I can't reach them and I need them to rub my feet after a long run.

So what the hell are they complaining about ? (lol)

Ok. Just kidding. But the thing is I feel like I am a nurturing person, but I just haven't dated anyone long enough to show them that side of me. I mean I really haven't met anyone recently who deserves me to cater to them.

When I meet that special someone who is kind, caring and honest, I will reciprocate.

What do you think?
What do you think of what my friend said?
Do you think those of us who are single are single because we don't show our "nurturing" side early enough?

Let me know your thoughts.

How Long?

2011-03-21T13:24:00.001-07:00

This weekend I had the great pleasure of participating in a community service event. I worked with a group of women in transitional housing and our task was to create a skit with puppets based on a hypothetical situation.

In our situation:
A lady was 40 years old and had been with her boyfriend for 8 years.
She really wanted to get married. All her friends were married with
children, a house and a dog. She wanted the same. However, her boyfriend was not stepping up to the plate. Her solution was to give him an ultimatum.

Well, the moral of our story was: Wait on The Lord. And there were several bible scriptures listed that talked about the value of patience.

I really enjoyed working with my group and creating the puppets to illustrate our skit.

But later in the day, after all was said and done I wondered about our hypothetical situation. This lady had met this man when she was 32, now 40 - How long should she continue to wait - until he has an epiphany, got his finances straight, sowed his wild oats?

I know someone who was with a guy for 10 years. She gave him an ultimatum and well, they got married. She had the wedding of her dreams. Less than a year later they were separated.

So my questions are:
1) How long is too long? Does it take 8 years to know whether or not you want to marry someone? How long would you be willing to wait? At what point do you stop waiting and move on?

2) Do you think ultimatums work? Do you think she should or should not give him an ultimatum? Do you think some men just need a little "pushing" to realize they love you and can't spend their life without you?

Let me know your thoughts.

Basketball Wives- Reunions

2011-03-17T12:00:00.001-07:00

what yall think?
that was some mess !

Basketball Wives |Shaunie O'Neal |Evelyn Lozada |Shows

Somewhere New

2011-03-13T19:36:00.001-07:00

Last week a friend posted on Facebook that she was having a moving sale. She was selling everything: her furniture, kitchen items, clothes and jewelry.

I asked her where she was going, thinking maybe she was headed back to the South where she was from or maybe to another state where she had a fabulous new job.

She told me she was moving to Ghana.

Ghana?

Yep, she said. Her goal is to get in the tourism industry.

Wow.

I wish I had the courage to just give up everything, move somewhere new and just start over.

There was a time in my early 20s that I did just that. After I graduated from Ohio State, I worked at a regional magazine in Columbus. A year later, I was bored out of mind and knew that I had to leave if I was going to be happy.

So I packed all my stuff and drove to Atlanta. I didn't have a job, but I had friends from high school and college who lived there.

I got to Atlanta on a Sunday. Monday morning I found my way to the corporate offices of Upscale magazine. I walked into the office without an appointment and introduced myself to the editor. After taking an editing test I was hired on the spot. I started the next day as an editorial assistant, making almost nothing, but at least it was something.

Three months later, I got a call to come work at a magazine in D.C. Again, I packed all my stuff and drove the 10 hours from Atlanta on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It was 1997. I've been in D.C. ever since.

Today I'm at a crossroads in my life. I'm ready to pack up and move again. I want to go somewhere else, do something different. I've been looking for a job for the past four years. I would like to live in a better environment. I don't have any kind of love life. I wish I could start all over somewhere new.

But I can't.

So, what happened to the fearlessness I had in my 20s?

Well first of all, I just can't, at my age, just up and leave without a plan: call it obligations or call it being an adult. Fifteen years ago I didn't own a home or have the life I have now. Sometimes, however, I wish I wasn't so responsible, so damn dependable.

But I am. I honor my commitments and stay the course.

According to Suze Orman, the housing market is not expected to get better until 2015. Will I be able to stay here for 4 more years without going crazy? I have to. Oprah always says, "you make your own happiness."

So that's what I have to do. I went back to school to get a better job. I'm hoping for change in my neighborhood and I'm optimistic that love is in my future.

What are your thoughts?
Have you ever thought about just packing everything up and starting all over some place new?
Why didn't you?
Would you move without a plan? Without a job?
Would you leave everything behind to pursue a lifelong dream?

Let me know your thoughts.

What's Your Devil?

2011-03-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday began the season of Lent. According to catholiceducation.org, "Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter." The religious site, churchyear.net, describes Lent as a spiritual spring cleaning.

Indeed.

However, most of us think of Lent as giving up something for 40 days. Many of us give up some type of food we love - bread, carbohydrates, meat. For me, it was desert (my biggest weakness). Some people give up alcohol. I know a few folks who try not to use curse words for 40 days.

But for the next 40 days I challenge you to dig a little deeper. What would be a difficult sacrifice? What would be the hardest thing to abstain from?

I ask: What's your devil?
What is that one thing that is keeping you from becoming the person you want to be? It may be wasteful spending; it may be a love for food; it may be procrastination or it may be an addiction to unhealthy relationships.

I just got cable a few weeks ago and dear lord, I think Cable is the Devil - so many channels, so many things to watch. It has literally kept me from doing the things that I need to do - and that's the devil.

So, whatever your devil is, let's try to work on it for the next 40 days - and beyond.

In the meantime, check out Kelly Price singing Healing live:

Need a Bag?

2011-03-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

When are you getting married?

How do you feel when people ask you that question?

There was a time when my dad would ask me that at least once a month. I became so angry one time, that I yelled through the phone, "WHO AM I GOING TO MARRY?" I didn't mean to become so upset, but he had touched a nerve. I was simply tired of hearing that question — from him, my sister, my grandmothers, family friends, friends who were married.

I was frustrated and hurt. It made me feel like a failure that I had not met anyone who thought enough of me to want to spend the rest of their life with me. I mean, how am I suppose to answer that question? What am I suppose to say? Sometimes I would be flip and say something sassy like, "oh, tomorrow, you should come."

But it's not like I can go in Whole Foods, pick the guy I want and walk out the store.
It's not that simple.

Well, after my little outburst my dad promised that he wouldn't ask me that anymore and he hasn't. It's interesting. We talk about marriage, relationships, men, all the time now. But he has kept his promise.

So I ask:
How do you respond when someone asks, "When are you getting married?"
Do you get offended?
How do you feel?
Do you think it's a rude question?

Let me know your thoughts.

Transitions

2011-03-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I opened the latest email newsletter from my yoga studio and found a beautiful essay from the instructor about transitions. Transitions. Transitions. She wrote about patience and compassion, being content and happy. She asked if we felt rushed or nervous or fearful. hmmmmm.

This post is dedicated to my friend who is going through a tough transition. She knows who she is. But whenever I see her, she is smiling. You never see the hurt, even though you know it's there. Maybe she knows something greater is waiting on the other side of this painful period.

Her smile reminds me of the new Kirk Franklin song, "I Smile." Check it out below:

Tell me about one of your tough transitions and how you got through it.
What did you learn from it?
Are you better now?

Remember the Time

2011-02-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

On my way to work this morning I heard R&B singer D'Angelo's song, "Lady" from his 1995 album Brown Sugar.

Man, that song took me back to my days at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I had to smile. Those were some good times. I began to remember the folks I hung out with and how we created our own community in that predominately White college town. More than a decade later, I've reconnected with many of my Buckeye family via Facebook (gotta love Facebook).

Check out the video of "Lady" below:

Is there a song that takes you back to a special time in your life - maybe a summer romance? a vacation? a college anthem? a high school party song?

There is one song that they played so much in Ohio that when I hear it today, I immediately turn the station - LOL !

Let me know about a song that sticks out in your life's playlist.

Why You're Not Married

2011-02-18T04:26:00.000-08:00

The day before Valentine's Day, television writer Tracy McMillan posted an essay on the Huffington Post titled, "Why You're Not Married".

Now I wanted to read this piece because it wasn't race specific, you know, another article saying why professional Black women can't get a man. McMillan, who's been married three times, doesn't make you feel guilty for having a career or make you feel weak for wanting to be loved. And I mean Steve Harvey's on his third wife, so why not have a look at what she has to say - lol.

So here are McMillan's Top 6 Reasons You're Not Married:
1) You're a bitch — According to McMillan, "Female anger scares men. Most men just want to marry someone who is nice to them." She mentions Kim Kardashian who she says smiles and wiggles - no anger there. Now I think I'm a pretty nice lady - until you piss me off (lol). But even then, I just cut you off. No need for all that cussing and fighting. You just don't need to be a part of my life.

2) You're Shallow - McMillan says only one thing matters when choosing a husband and that is CHARACTER. But if we were really looking for a man with character, she notes, "we would have found one by now." Men with character want to commit. Instead, she said we're too hung up on how someone looks or how much money they make. I agree. Check out my previous post, "Me, Jane".

3) You're a Slut - "If you're having sex outside committed relationships, you will have to stop," wrote McMillan. The bonding hormone, oxytocin, she notes, gets us hooked on men we're not really into. I agree. Sex is a powerful drug. How many times have we stayed with a guy that we know ain't no good, but the sex was great? That's why Millionaire Matchmaker Patti Stanger always emphasizes to her couples "no sex without being in an exclusive, committed, monogamous relationship."

4) You're a Liar - You meet a guy. You like him. But he tells you he doesn't want to be in a committed relationship. You lie and tell him you don't either - hoping he'll figure out how great you are and realize that he wants to spend the rest of his life with you. Not gonna happen. Move on.

5) You're Selfish - McMillan writes: "If you're not married, chances are you think a lot about you" — your thighs, your clothes, your career, yoga. "A good wife," she says, "does not spend most of her day thinking about herself." Men are attracted to women with children because they know that these women care about something other than themselves. WOW. I always wondered why the lady next door with 5 kids always had a boyfriend and I couldn't manage to snag one. And that's why my childhood friend in Jackson, a high school drop-out with two kids, was able to marry a lovely, successful man (who is now working on a Ph.D). So is that what I need to do? Get a kid? hmmmmm.

6) You're Not Good Enough - According to McMillan, YOU don't think you're good enough if "you're not looking for a partner who is your equal." We want someone better than we are, she notes: "better looking, better family, better job." Wait a minute. Aren't we suppose to marry up? Look at Kate Middleton. Just Kidding. Anyway, she writes that most of us don't realize that we are good enough as we are and that "women who don't know their own worth make terrible wives." This makes perfect sense of why I'm always choosing Tom over Aaron.

McMillan concludes her essay by saying that every woman can find a great partner. I believe her. There are LOTS of single men out there. But, she notes, we have to realize that "marriage is not about getting," it's about giving.

"Marriage is just a long-term opportunity to practice loving someone even when they don't deserve it," she writes.

So, what do you think about these points?
I can relate to all of them (except I'm not a slut - LOL!).

Let me know your thoughts.

Me, Jane

2011-02-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 2 a.m. this morning and flipped through my MANY cable channels. I stopped at the movie Broadcast News. I had seen it many times before, but I saw it with new eyes this time.

The 1987 movie centers around three folks who work at a television station. There's Aaron, the super smart, super talented average-looking guy who is a great reporter. There's Jane, the driven, career-minded producer whose energy leaps off the screen. And then there's Tom, the handsome anchor who is all style and no substance.

The film is a love triangle. Aaron loves Jane. Jane loves Tom. Now even though Aaron adores Jane from the top of her perfect nose to her tiny tiptoes, Jane lusts after Tom. She knows he's not smart and realizes he is not honest, but she is enamored with his movie star good looks.

During the film, Jane asks Aaron, where he thinks they'll all be in 10 years. He said, "I'll be married with kids and you'll be single and fat."

Indeed, 7 years later, they all meet up at a function. Tom is engaged to a beautiful blond and Aaron is married with a cute kid.

Jane? She is still single. Her career is her life.

I am Jane.

I have met so many Aarons - average-looking, yet good guys who are brilliant, sweet, kind, caring. But I always ignore them in favor of the Toms - dumb dudes who are all style and no substance.

You would think after more than 20 years of dating, I would get it right. But for some reason I always go for the losers and then I end up disappointed and frustrated. It's a pattern and right now I don't understand why I just can't love the good guy.

In the meantime, the Aarons I've met have gotten married and the Toms have moved on to their next conquest.

Me? I'm Jane, alone with my career.

Thoughts on this?
Why do you think I always choose the losers over the good guys?
Maybe I have a self-esteem issue.
I want love. I believe I deserve love. But I always sabotage myself by hooking up with guys I know deep down are no damn good.

How You Doin'?

2011-02-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

So, today is Valentine's Day: the day for lovers or the day for those with a special someone to show that special someone just how special they are - LOL.

If you don't have a special someone, I ask - how you doin'?

How you feeling right now? Does Valentine's Day make you sad? Does it make you long for love? Do you think about what could have been (if I had only done...)?

Do the balloons, flowers, teddy bears and cards remind you of what you don't have?

If you don't have a partner, how are you going to spend today — at home or out with the girls?

Or is Valentine's Day just another day to you?

Let me know your thoughts.

Passport Pals

2011-02-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

So, I'm listening to the KANE show right now on 99.5 and his question of the day is:
"If I guy invites you on a trip - say Italy, the Galapagos Islands, Brazil - and pays for everything, (you know airfare, hotel, food, entertainment, tourist activities, etc.) would you feel obligated to sleep with him?

A male listener phoned in and said, "Ladies, if you don't expect to put out, don't get on the plane." (lol)

I have a friend who was invited to the Bahamas with a guy who was extremely interested in her. He paid for everything. She says he was flirtatious but nothing happened because he understood that she was not ready for intimacy. (aaawwww) In fact, she told him that they could only be friends. She respected him because he didn't try to cross any boundaries and didn't make her feel bad about going on the trip.

This summer a guy invited me to go with him to his job conference. I think it was in LA. "Let me know so I can get our tickets," he said. I made up some excuse about having to work. I had only known him a little more than a month. Even though I could have visited friends, I wasn't ready to go on a trip with him.

I mean, would you even go on a trip with someone you weren't interested in? If a guy just wanted to hang out he would have invited one of his buddies or his sister.

What are your thoughts?