I talk back

“If we cannot communicate effectively. We can’t communicate.”

I was having a conversation with someone the other day and we were talking about relationships, and I said somethings that I never said out loud before. Now most of you already know I only claim one relationship as the serious one and that was my marriage. But I have been involved with other men who I loved and some I didn't love. And the person I was having a conversation with ask me why none of those relationships ever became too serious and my response was this:

“After my divorce I worked so hard to get my life in order and back on track to where I now have good stability and I don’t want that to be ruined by anyone who will make my life unstable.”

I Worked Hard For This

My space (mentally and physically) is not a want, it’s a NEED. Be just as valuable as my space and my time.

There's a lot of allure to having fun with someone because when the fun is over, we just go back to our own lives, but then there's that companionship that you can miss out on and I think that's where it gets complicated for me, because I do enjoy that companionship, someone who knows me privately or knows things that others may not know.

Because I've worked hard to get my life to where it's at and I did it by myself, I have become comfortable with wanting and needing my space. So in a lot of the situations I had with men, something would happen where I have to decide between the companionship or my space. I want companionship as much as I want my space, but depending on what type of issue I’m having with someone, I'll choose me first, therefore wanting my space outweighs wanting that companionship.

And I really do hate arguing to no end where nothing is getting resolved. I like sharing my thoughts, but I don't like the feeling of not being heard and a man continuing to avoid me. I don't like when a man jumps over what I’m trying to say and only wants to defend what he said or did. And when that happens I feel inclined to keep going with my thoughts…because if you're not going to listen to me, what purpose does it bring to only listen to your opinions, is it about you? Or is it about us and how we can communicate effectively?

But here’s something I want you all to ponder on…Women who are very vocal about their opinions, are seen by men as someone who wants the center stage or dramatic, but is it that she just doesn't feel heard and understood that she feels she need to be more radical with her thoughts?

I jokingly used the phrase, “I talk back” which in meaning is the essence of I’m a strong minded individual and I've developed critical thinking skills that allow me to think beyond the surface. I never just read a news headline and take it for face value, there's always more to a story. That's why when people tell me things that are vague or ambiguous, I know there's something more they don’t want to share for whatever reason. Maybe they don’t want any feedback or opinions or maybe they're ashamed about something. When I share something I am opening it up to any questions and feedback that may come along. I may not necessarily be making it your business, I’m just sharing something with you and I’m allowing you to give your opinion on it. I’ll let you know if you're curiosity is going to far.

In any case, a woman talking back shouldn't be confused with a woman sharing her thoughts and feelings. Men are always quick to shut us down because society deems a woman being vocal as being nagging or emotional. Sometimes when I really frustrated or angry I begin to cry because there's so much on my mind and my heart that I can't get it all out at once, and most men don’t give patience to that. So women are just supposed to stay quiet and go along with whatever a man says?

Don’t Dismiss Her

When a woman is expressing herself, give her time to get it out.

Fellas, if you're not doing something right by a woman, there's good chance she feels it and will say something about it, don’t be dismissive of her feelings. Pay attention to the fact she notices you and notices when something is off about you. Don’t automatically become irritated because you don’t want to deal with her concerns, if she loves you, her concerns are about YOU and if you don’t have the same types of concerns for her, then you need to make some decisions and let her know what those decisions are. Otherwise, you're going to keep having the same arguments over and over again.

Look, I’m not giving any advice, I'm just thinking practically. This is why I don't like to get too involved with someone too quickly, because again, I’ll choose my space if a man isn't reassuring me that he's worth more than that. Especially if you start to act funny or play games with me, then I’m just going to fall back into my hole and depending on how long I've know you, there's a chance you may never hear from me again. In some scenarios, if I feel that you're not worth it, I'm not going to talk back.

Be safe out there.


One of you said, “Diddy is also still out there having babies.” - I completely forgot he just had a newborn! Listen, I can still very much have more children, but I choose not to. And I am NOT willing not compromise on that.

The Grown Attitude

“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child…”

Method Man did a recent interview stating he doesn't know why he keeps being labeled as a sex symbol when his not doing anything to earn that title. And I see his point of view on this. Clifford is what, in his early 50s now? And I think his is at a point in his life where he's done all the he planned to do, and now he's just enjoying the legacy he's made. Mind you, this man is married and has been married for over 2 decades. I think early in his life and career, he had a lot of fun. And there were always rumors here and there about some of the women he may have been in a situation with, but they were all rumors. During the this interview he used Smokey Robinson as an example of living in his highlight when it was appropriate, but when the clock starts winding down, trying to keep up with the highlight just doesn't make sense. I think that was such a mature thing to say and I think, however, Cliff living his right now, he is doing it on his own terms and no longer chasing Hollywood or entertainment high, and he's just enjoying life as Clifford with remenents of Method Man.

The most attractive thing about a man is growth and maturity. It doesn’t mean he still doesn't come with some bullshit. He just knows how to handle it better.

I think Jay-Z is the same way. We've heard rumors about him as well when he was starting to become known, and other rumors came about during his marriage. But one thing is for sure, he will do the most to protect the solitude of his family. Almost everything he does now seems to be business driven, even with the dynamics of his family and personal affairs. If there isn't a value or a means to an end, he's not interested.

Now Puff...ummm...Sean Combs ain't Shawn Carter, and definitely ain't Clifford Smith either. Mr. Combs is going to live how he wants to live, flashy, outspoken, opulent, all of the above. One of my childhood friends is like this and I need to be mindful of the time I spend around him because he can be a lot. Puff is going to have a rotation of young women, and he's living like he's in his 20s with his 50s fortune. Aye, go ahead, Puff, do what you want.

And I'm only using these 3 men as examples because we've seen where they started to where they are now.

David Beckham may be another good example, but we don't get a lot of news from across the water unless we're fishing for it. But I think he's shown a lot of maturity over the years, too.

Make The Good Choice

When that doesn't work out, make the other choice. 😁

Let me tell you something and I want all of you to start putting this in your daily mantra and it doesn't matter how old you are or where you're at in life, say this right here:

"I CAN NOT MISS OUT ON ANYTHING THAT ISN'T MEANT FOR ME"

This includes relationships, friendships, work opportunities, investments, fun nights, whatever it is, you do not miss anything that isn’t meant for you.

But if those same relationships, friendships, work opportunities, investments, and fun nights present themselves again, you can take it.

Just because you did not say Yes the first time doesn't mean you can't say Yes the next time. Maybe you said no the first time because it didn't feel right at the moment, but time changes things, right? And what we felt then may not be what we feel now. Just like with the men I mentioned, how they behaved then is probably not what they'll decide to do now, exclude Puff from this thought.

You know that saying, "When I was a child, I acted as a child" it's a derivative of the bible verse. It applies to all of us. Just like with the one reader who said, “A connection can be made with anyone, but it can only last but so long and go only so far without any real value or tangible substance. And if you only rely on that connection, you avoid your own reality, thus avoiding your own bullshit.” The reader also used an example of pedophiles relying on connections. Her example was extreme, but I think she was just trying to make her point.

So again,

"I CAN NOT MISS OUT ON ANYTHING THAT ISN'T MEANT FOR ME"

This can go so many different ways. There's things that are good for you and there's things that aren't, but you decide that. And here’s something else, the universe always knows what it's doing even when we don’t, and sometimes when certain things happen we call it coincidences or a sign. But the only thing we manage is what we feel and what we decide to do next.

Every decision is a great decision until it's not. And when it deems itself as not a great decision, then you have to figure out if you'll avoid making that decision again OR if you do make that same decision, what will you do differently next time? Because with growth we can walk down the same path, but this time we are more equipped with traveling it better.

Be safe everyone.


Interested In Him

“You can only be as happy as you make your mind up to be.”

Reader Question: “Don’t you ever think your guy friends want to be with you?

I actually get asked this a lot especially when I mention my guy friends in my topics. So here's the run down. With the guys I grew up with and I'm still friends with, there has never been that awkward unspoken interest for one another, we always just been friends and nothing more. With some of the guy friends I made as an adult and I've become close to them, they've never shared with me they want anything more so when we hang out it’s just really simple. Now, in relation to that there is a select group of guys who I've become friends with through someone I was involved with and with them, they never have crossed a certain threshold with me. I’m not going to mention the guy's name, but with his friends who I’m now also friends with, in their minds I’m “that man’s Raya". Even though right now, I’m just “Raya” but how they met me and things that have occurred since then, to those guys, I’m still “so and so's Raya.” And I don't have a problem with that because I love having male friends who I can have fun with, feel safe around, and not worry about being taken advantage of. That is a great feeling to have and I value that. 😊 Don’t get me wrong, ALL of my guy friends do flirt with me in some way or will hang their arm around me, or kiss my cheek or my forehead, but it's all out of love and never uncomfortable.

The Misconception

Don’t confuse my comfort or friendliness towards someone with being interested in anything other than a good conversation.

Let's move on…

In one of the recent topics I let you know that I've never told a man I was interested in him and many of you had very strong opinions agreeing and disagreeing with what I said. The main reason I don't do it is because I don't want things to be awkward if the man doesn't feel the same way in return because then the dynamic of our communication changes and then it’s like, “We'll, damn. Maybe I shouldn't have said anything at all.” Especially, if it's a guy I like hanging out with.

I know men sometimes like women to be a little forward, but is it too much to ask for a heads up that you have some interest in me before I take that step? You don’t have to come out and say it, but in some way let me know that you are attracted to me intimately and open to seeing what more can happen, even if it’s just for fun, give me some clue. I’m not the one night stand type of woman, if you are my intimate partner, I want it to happen more than once. So, you can very much be my temporary lover or my fun partner, but just know, I’m not a one time girl.

This is why I say that I need to be comfortable with a man before getting in bed with him. I want to have the understanding that if we are going to be involved, even if it’s casual, that we still have consideration for one another and make adjustments that appease us both. I like a busy man, I don’t need a man who has too much time on his hands, because then he may want a lot of my time and what if I’m not available? He goes off any starts getting involved with someone else until I am available? I don’t need that mess.

I also like a man who understands the importance of self-care and solidarity. Because I know I have mentioned many times that it can seem like I’m being distant when I need to just be alone. It doesn’t mean that I don’t want to be involved anymore, it just want time to myself and I would like for a man who gets that. For me to be a better me, I need my me time. For me to be the sociable, charismatic, giving, and caring person that people know me to be, I need that alone time. And I want him to take time to himself too. Unless I tell you I want out or you tell me you want out, then my interest in you is still there.

There can also be times that we may be in the same room and just not have an active conversation, we can just lay on each other and watch tv, or he can be on his laptop and I’ll be on mine. If we just want to be in each other’s presence and not really do much, I’m okay with that. I guess what I am trying to say is that I do not always need that constant dialogue to keep my interest peaked.

Here’s the other side to this. If I am not interested in someone, I do not need to be pressured into being interested. For instance, if I tell you that nothing intimate is going to happen between us and I give you my reasons, don’t try to have ulterior motives to get me to change my mind. And if I share with a friend that I have my reasons for not getting involved with someone, that friend should not be pushing me to be involved with that person. It doesn’t matter if you do not agree with my reasons, they are MY Reasons, so respect the fact I do not want to get myself in a situation that I am already not comfortable being in.

  • But here is the realistic part I need to talk about. With a man who I have never been involved with or intimate with, it is much harder for him to get to me than a man who already knows me in that way. I’m not saying that every lover I have ever has still has a chance, I’m just saying they already know some details about me that they can utilize to their advantage. Thank goodness I do not have a lot of previous lovers. I think I said before, I can drive several hours outside my front door and count on LESS than one hand how many men have been in my juices.

If we are both interested in each other, let’s not play these cat and mouse games and just let each other know. I am willing to be more vocal with a man who gives me the feeling that he’s interested rather than a man who I am not sure if he’s even worried about be in any way. But remember, I’m not a one time woman, if we’re just having fun, then we’re going to have fun a few times and make the most of it. And if you have me, don’t leave me wondering if you’re still interested, just let me know if you want to stop or if your feelings have changed.

Be safe out there.


Let The Juices Flow

“Be good to ‘Her’ first, before being good to him.”

Ok ladies, let’s talk about this. In a pervious topic I briefly talked about keeping your Hello Kitty healthy. I gave you an oil mixture recipe to use on Her and I talked about how important it is to maintain your pH balance.

Fellas, this might be TMI for you, but I can't force you to go, but we are going talk some lady business.

I’m pretty in tuned with my body and my health especially the Hello Kitty, I know right away when something isn’t right. I’m not currently sexually active or have been intimate with anyone in a long time, but I still have to pay attention Her. Even the clothes you wear or certain fabrics can throw you off balance. Those tight jeans may look cute on you, but it’s not giving enough air for your Kitty to breathe and sometimes textured or rough fabric can irritate her too. And if you have high moisture levels, you have to be more cognizant of these things. Wetness and tight clothes don't always mix well. Also, wetness and no underwear don’t mix well because of the chance of drippness down your inner thighs. 😅🫠

The main thing is keeping yourself clean. Pick up some vaginal soaps that can help maintain that pH balance and of course staying hydrated is good for your overall health. And just like using moisturizers on your face, do the same for the Kitty. I use natural oils on both my face and my Girl.

And of course we know the things you eat impact all parts of our bodies, but ladies we have to pay attention to how certain foods affect our Kitties. Any type of citrus fruits are great for your girl like grapefruit, oranges, limes, kumquats are all great because of the vitamin C component. Other things such as pineapple, different types of berries, apples, and pomegranate contain great antioxidants. 🍊🍋🫐🥝

Take Care Of Your Kitty

Treat your body how you want him to treat “Her

If you have any issues with dryness, dark greens can help you out with that. Think more kale, collard greens, spinach and broccoli is good to put into your regular diet 🥬🥦. Also, if you didn't know this, then I’m about to tell you, Avocados help boost not only wetness, but also you libido! 🥑😺

Let me tell you, whoever my next partner is…SIR, YOU'RE WELCOME! 💋💦

But for those of you who have an active sex life, here are some foods to stay away from before you do the do because they can cause a lingering odor, garlic, asparagus, onions, and brussels sprouts. Depending on certain meats and how it’s seasoned can also leave an unattractive smell, just let your nose pay attention to all of that. But always, ALWAYS, drink plenty of water 💧.

Now lets talk about sex a little. You should know by now that other people's fluids affect our Kitty fluids. If he’s not a clean person, what do you think that will do to your balance? Just think of UTIs and how uncomfortable they are. That's why no matter your partner, you should always have a healthy routine to get your Girl back on track. And after sex, make sure at the very least, you have a warm wash rag close by and wipe down the Kitty. 😻

Here are your takeaways:

  • Eat fruit

  • Eat your green veggies

  • Keep it clean and moisturized

  • Let her breathe

  • Drink water

“V” Oil Mix (use it as often as you want)

  • Sesame Oil

  • Argan Oil

  • Jojoba Oil

  • Tea Tree Oil


Today's Generation of Men is NOT Yesterday's

A few of you asked me about my thoughts on the Carlee Russell situation. When the story broke, I had concern. When the story continued, I had questions. When the press conference aired, I was more confused.

Initially, my thoughts mirror Tristan Marsh’s thoughts (video). We’ll never know what really drove the young lady to decide to do what she did, but I do believe in accountability and owning up to your behaviors and actions. Not everything is a mental ailment. But, hey I am not medical doctor. Whatever the underlying issue was, I just hope something was learned from this situation.


“As a man, be just that. A gentleman.”

❗️DISCLAIMER: This is a summary of many of your thoughts over the last few months.

❗️❗️Please Note: Men, before you get upset, this is not a direct attack on any of you, some women just notice a few nuances here and there: Don’t lose your greatness to those not so great.

Sometimes I look at these young people today and just think…Where did it all go wrong? The way they think, the way they act, the music the listen to, and Oh GOD the way they dress! It’s almost like they are so influenced by one another that they won’t listen to anything or anyone that makes sense. To be fair, there are a few young people who have good direction, but for the most part….No. 😐

Be Distinguished

Never be ashamed of your age and try to prove to these youngers that you can still fit in with them. You fit in with YOUR people. Remember that.

Let me start with music because music can change anyone’s mood from good to great or from bad to worse. That song “Act Bad” is a no for me, the lyrics, the tempo, all of it, not for me. What are you doing Puff? You come from “All About the Benjamin’s” to this??? Make it make sense! Megan the Stallion, beautiful woman, has hit songs, but overall her music is not for me and it’s the same with Cardi B, love her charisma, but her music isn’t for me. And don’t get me trying to figure out who’s song is who’s because I do not know half the people who’s making these supposed hits now. I think most of this generation has the sheep mentality and they just go with what everyone else says is good as opposed to having their own critical thoughts and saying, “This is trash.” If I am out and the songs are playing, I go with it, but when I am in my car or at home, none of that is on my playlist. Look I’m not saying this is ideal, but I grew up with music about making love, treating women good, and dealing drugs, this generation's music is about doing drugs and being careless. We are not the same. 🚫

Next is the mindset and I think the current pop-culture has a lot to do with this especially with reality tv and this generation looking up to these salacious behaviors. It has warped people’s way of thinking and of course how you think is how you act. 💡

So let me get into the men. Sometimes I witness the older generations get influenced by the younger generations maybe because they want to still feel young, validated, important, or want to prove something, I don't know. But baby just act your age, we accept you just like that. My friend says men like that look like Daddy Daycare. Don’t have these kids out here having you look like Daddy Daycare.

Even for me, I don’t want to be out here looking like I’m babysitting. That 25 year old I told you about before, I told you I kept my boundaries strong with that one. Because I have to think, he’s closer to my daughter's age then my own, and what would I look like bringing him around my kids? I can't be serious with someone who has more in common with my children than me. 👀🤪

Be Proud

Don't ever let anyone make you feel bad for achieving your goals and doing well. We don't all make the same decisions because we are not clones of each other, so just make certain YOUR Life is Gucci.

Listen, I love a distinguished man. Who comes with experience and knows how to separate what's no longer for him from what helps him maintain humility. I guess when I was younger, I never wanted to be everywhere with everyone. I didn't feel I needed to know everybody and I didn't care to fit into anyone's clique. I moved at my own pace. I like being low key and in my own elements. The big difference is, the people who I decided to be around has to have purpose to me. Either they have a similar mindset as me or they have a more experienced mindset to teach me something. I don’t like to be around “Yes” people, who don’t tell me their true opinions and just go with whatever anyone else says. Baby, you're not growing or helping anyone grow. 🌱

At my age now, the only young people I communicate with often are my kids, my mentees, and a few people I may see in passing often. That’s it. For the most part, I stick to my caliber of people. And I'm so disappointed with the men coming out of this generation. It’s like they have adopted so many feminine traits and wanting to be treated like women. I completely understand the concept of catering to your man and making him feel loved, but these men want that treatment from the start without showing you they are worth your affections. They want you to be fully vulnerable towards them, but they're not willing to do the same with you. 🤨

I like it when men aren't afraid to tell me they want me. They're not afraid to reach out to me and they don't get upset if I’m not available. I like a grown man, not just grown in age, but grown in mentality. To know that I’m a woman of standards, I’m a woman that has come up in life. I’m a woman that has emotions and a woman who still likes some traditions like a man approaching me and asking about me.

Today's generation is all about instant gratification and what's quick and what feels good to them. The problem is, without going through and processing what doesn't feel good, you don’t learn to build up your comprehension and understanding towards different real life scenarios and you become sensitive to everything you feel is an inconvenience or barrier to you. And men have become more susceptible to being like this.

Let this all sit. Be safe out there.


Make Money Online

“I don’t know about you, but paying for convenience is worth the cost.”

I am not one of those people who will have an Only Fans page 🚫 or any page where I have to put aside my values, dignity, or morals to make money . If you have a site like that, hand claps to you, I can’t do it. I still won’t wear certain things around my dad. For instance, if I am going to visit him, but right after I am going out with friends, I am not going to wear what I’m going out in around my dad. I won’t even change at his house, I’ll change in the car if I'm crunched for time just to avoid my dad seeing my revealing outfits. ⛔️

And I also have that mindset of everyone doesn’t need to see what I’m doing all the time. Sometimes I’ll snap a picture and share it to certain people, but I was never on the bandwagon of showing the world where I am at, who I am with, and what I am doing. Although, I am an advocate of sharing information that could be useful to others.

A lot of you ask me about different ways to make money. I make money in several ways. I am a W2 employee for one company and I am a 1099 employee for several other companies. I also have a few investment ventures that include properties and the stock market. And of course I make some change from this site. Lisssennn…I like nice things and I like treating myself very good. 💅🏾Now if a man comes along and wants to take over all my major expenses, which is really my living expenses, such as home and auto, then BABY, tell me what you need from me, you can have it all! I’m still going to make my own money, but Sweetie, let me know what you want me to do and I’ll do it! 😉

But here’s a little tip from Auntie Ray: “Fellas, find you a woman who adds income to your household and not a woman who just depletes yours ❌️. And ladies, don’t be that woman who can only by drinks and a t-shirt every now and then but, can’t buy your man anything else.” ❌️

To make good money on the side or even with your own business, the best thing I can tell you is to learn a skill, be great at that skill, package it up, market it, and put a price tag on it. And if you are partnering with someone, make sure they know the same things you know or more. Below is a break down of different revenue possibilities.

Website, Videos, Podcasts

Having a website, creating videos, and having a podcast are great ways to make money. They key is knowing your audience and gravitating the topics relative to them. With this site, it took me about 2 years before I saw some decent revenue and the income is not steady nor is it the same each month. It all depends on of of you. 🥰

There is another website that I have been working on the last 2 years. It is more geared towards business topics and working professionals. The site actually began as a project while I was studying at University of Alabama 🤓. I got a lot of good feedback from it that I decided to make into a little baby business for right now. I write HR and employment related articles and I provide professional development downloads at different costs 📂. I have earned some revenue already from the site, but I still consider it a little prototype site because there’s still a lot I want to do with it. I could hire about 2 people to help me get it to a certain level, but I want to make sure it meets a certain standard first before I hire people.

📌 Here is a peak at my some of my Professional Articles (it looks a lot different from this site. Yes, Auntie Ray knows her shit!) And here is a peak at the Professional Development Downloads I offer. Look, I didn’t get this far in life to be inefficient with my knowledge.

Professional Ray

I talk back and I talk a lot of BS, but I also talk a lot of business.

eCommerce: Esty, eBay, Amazon, Mercari, etc.

Selling online another great way to earn some extra cash. During the COVID lockdown I was still working, but I was stuck in the house with a lot of downtime, so one day I decided to go through my closet and clean out anything that I no longer wear or have never worn. Trust me, I had a lot of clothes with the tags still attached. Judge me later, just hear me now. I sold my clothes on Mercari and within 3 months, I made a good amount of pocket money, just from things I don’t use anymore 💵! Ebay is a good platform for this too. Esty is great if you are crafter or creator. You can also sell digital products on there too. I know a lot of teachers sell generic lesson plans on there. For other platforms to sell digital items or virtual services Fiverr and Upwork are good. With Amazon, they have a sellers program and I know of a few people who do well with that. *Mind you all these platforms do charge some sort of selling fee. 📊

Investing

Investing is one of the best ways to earn passive income. I have 2 avenues of investments. The one I enjoy the most is the stock market. The market can be unpredictable and volatile, but in my experience, I have never lost more than I put in 📈. Even when I lost some money last year, I already made all it back this year and then some. 📕 I even published a beginners guide in 2020 that covers all the basics of the stock market. I offer the eBook on my business site and even though it’s almost 3 years old, I still get multiple downloads from it each month. Link to my eBook HERE. 📍

Do what you will with all this information, but don’t say I never gave you some pointers on where to start! I don’t believe in scaling back because of finances, I believe in making more money. Like I said, I like nice things and being able to afford convenience in not cheap. 💸


Looking For Trouble

A little revelation about my 2 dreams, if you need to catch up with what I’m talking about go to the post right before this one. There's a few audio clips in there. I still keep having the dreams, except the recent nights, I now think the person I’m calling and the person standing next to me is the same person. With the phone dream, instead of calling the person, I am texting the person and this time the person sent a message back. What was said in the message was the same thing the person in the other dream said to me, but I can’t make out his voice. Sometimes my dreams have a funny way of keeping me wondering until it actually happens in my waking life. Seems cruel, huh? 😏 But at least now I know the two dreams are connected!

Also, another thing I should mention is the whole Keke Palmer fiasco with her partner. I know, I just hyped those two up and now the Usher thing happened and things seem to be iffy between them, but hey I did tell you guys….forever doesn't last a long time! I do see both sides to it, for Keke, she’s out with her friends, she’s feeling good, and she’s just enjoying herself. For her partner, he sees the woman he is with who is also the mother of his child wearing a very revealing outfit and in the face of another man. Look, I wear things all the time that show parts of my body, but I am very conscious of how close I am to a man, even being single. I do hope they find a way to communicate and be cordial even if they don’t stay together.


“There's such things as good trouble.”

Let's talk about trouble. I do believe if you're looking for trouble, you will definitely find it, no matter what it is. I also believe there's such things as good trouble. We’ll talk more about that in a minute. If you are looking for something to be wrong about someone, you will find it, guaranteed, but don’t go looking for something that doesn’t need to be found, let that sit for a bit, that may mean something different to each of you. For instance, don’t look for something to justify anything you did wrong or could have done better. Like don’t try to pull out someone else’s flaws when you still need to work on yours. Don’t call-out someone else, if you can’t accept being called out. But, if your gut is telling you something is not right, listen to it, because you are probably correct. And at that point you need to decide if what you are feeling is something you can deal with long term.

So let’s talk about “good trouble”. Good trouble is what I call taking a risk, but it’s not causing harm to anyone. Like complimenting someone who you may have some history with, but what makes it “trouble” is not knowing where that compliment will get you, you guys following me here? Will it get you to a happy ending or will it just be words that stood in one place?

So let me share something really quick: Every now and then, I say some suggestive things to a guy I know, I’m not sure if he’s noticed it because I always say I’m joking and the reason I do that is, I am not sure if I want what I say to go any further than just a statement. I’m so cory, I know. I just don’t want to get into any BS with anyone and I’ve been good on my celibacy kick, even though I don’t refer to it as that because my purpose is not to abstain from sex, but more so abstain from getting involved with someone who is going to bring me down as opposed to being considerate to me. My Goods are GOOD right now and I want to keep it that way and I am only willing to share my good with someone who is transparent with me….BUT HELL, I don’t know, one of these days someone might just say the right thing at the right moment…and that’s all she wrote!

Ideally, there is nothing wrong if you want a little trouble here and there, just be careful with how much you may be rocking the boat and don’t do anything that may put you in a compromising situation. Be careful out there everyone.


The One Who Got Away

“I like when people show a side of them that they’ve never shown me before.”

One of my lovely readers asked me this question:

Have you ever been the one who got away for someone?

Honestly, I really don’t know. And to be even more honest with you, I don’t think that is something I want to know. I feel like if I were to know something like that it would linger in the back of my mind and I don’t need those extended thoughts swirling around in my head. Would you want to know if you were someone’s the “one who got away'“?

What makes someone the “one who got away”? Because every separation or breakup cannot be that person. So here is my opinion on what would classify a person for that title and you can let me know if you agree or have anything to add. I think the “one who got away” is someone who met all your expectations for instance:

  • You were physically attracted to them

  • They cared for your well-being

  • They showed their consideration for you

  • You felt comfortable around them

  • You felt you could talk to them about anything

  • They motivated you

  • They encouraged you to do amazing things

  • They supported your ambitions

  • They talked to you about any concerns or troubles they had

  • They listen and gave you constructive feedback

  • Your friends and/or family liked them

  • You were not ashamed of who they were in any way

  • You were proud of what they have accomplished or what they did for a living

Does this list seem accurate? Although, on the other side of it, I think what also make a person the “one who got away” is YOU. As great as this person was, there was something they could no longer accepted from you. So we have to look at ourselves too. Were we or ARE we the ideal partner for someone? Do WE meet all the items on the list?

I know for me, I am the oldest of my siblings, and I’m a mother, so many times my motherly instincts kick in with my lovers and I develop concern for things they do or tell me about. Even when I am upset, I still worry and care and I do not think a lot of people are receptive to that because I may come across overbearing and they just lean more on being distant while they are upset. But, in the same breathe, I also become distant at times when I just need a moment to decompress, not from the relationship or connection, but just over all, because remember, when we reach a certain level or status in life, our romantic connections are NOT the only things on our minds. I’m passed the period of being in a man’s shadow and not seeing about my own wants and needs, including the wants and needs of other people in my life. There’s responsibilities I have for my family, responsibilities for work, responsibilities for my studies, etc. Someone cannot expect me to be 100% available to them. In fact someone said to me that it seems like I want to be more with myself than with someone and that it won’t work with anyone who wants something serious with me. I didn't know how to take that and I still don't know how to take that. The reality is, how I saw my future when I was younger is not how I see my future now.

Back to the topic, no I don't know if I am someone's the “one who got away” and I don’t want to know. Or even if someone still has strong feelings for me, I'm not sure if I want to know that either. What would I do with that information? I don't want to take advantage of anyone's feelings. With all of my previous lovers, there's still some emotional ____________ with them. Some of it is good and some not so good 😕. But it’s still there. And if there's ever a mutual reconnection with any of them, we’d be approaching each other as different individuals than when we were last together or at least I hope so. I hope that we’ve become more conscious of our flaws and made attempts to improve ourselves. I think it be best going into it just having an open discussion with one another. So if I were to rekindle feelings for someone, I wouldn't be the “one who got away” because he’d have me again. Or I wouldn't be the “one who got away” for him, but maybe someone else? 🤔


Lie To Me

“Don’t ask him if he’s single, ask him is there are any women who think they are with him.”

Before I begin, you know what I've noticed? Some people will applaud and praise people for doing the same things you've been doing or less, but they won’t applaud and praise you. For instance, they'll speak highly of a person for finding a way to get to work everyday, but won’t acknowledge you when you work hard, have side businesses, raising a family, able to take nice trips, and continue to achieve beyond normal standards. 😒 Why are some people like this? Do you not think that higher achieving people don’t like getting praised too? Or are you so amazed by mediocrity that you don’t recognize when people are beyond just doing good? Think about that and ask yourself if you're this type of person.

Moving on…

What is a lie? It’s a notion, an idea, a conscious act of hiding the truth, yes? Why do people lie? Here's some reasons I came up with:

  • They don’t want to hurt someone they care about

  • They don’t want confrontation or to be in trouble

  • They don’t think someone will understand the truth

  • They are afraid that if they speak the truth they'll be thought of differently

Is any of this hitting home for you? Look, it’s one thing if you are trying to protect me or my feelings, but it’s another thing if you are continuing to tell me things that don't equal up to your actions.

Here is a concept I want you to think about, most people lie more to the people closest to them, it maybe little white lie, but a lie nonetheless. And what about romantic relationships? Have you ever been in a situation where you can feel when someone is keeping something from you? I know I have. Like in one instance I keep noticing the same girl come around and the guy I was talking to kept downplaying it when I started getting the sense that either she was trying to start something with him or he was giving her the impression that he was fully available to her. I don't like those games.

And something else I want to throw at you, sometimes when a man is upset with the woman he’s with, he leans on another woman. Even if he's just reaching out to her without intimate intentions other than a friendly conversation, if he doesn't put boundaries around it, then the woman he reaches out to may start to think something is developing between them and then he’s going to get wrapped up in it and then it's going to be some bs for all of them. If I’m upset with my guy, I'm not going to call another man for comfort. If I can’t deal with the issue with my dude, then I’m not going to go looking to deal with it with another man.

Like I said before, at this point in my life I want to enjoy my time with someone without feeling like there's someone else who can have the same love and attention I’m getting. I’m not for the young and dumb nonsense. We’re not in high school and the college shenanigan years have come and gone. I’m not reliving those years or trying to prove I still got it. I know I still got it even after 2 kids, a failed marriage, resetting my life and starting from the bottom. So I’m not trying to sneak around or act like nothing is going on between me and someone else. People don't have to know all of our business to know that we’re involved especially other women, but it shouldn't be a secret or make either of us feel like we can let be know we’re seeing each other.

My friend calls any extra curricular activities outside of a relationship, “fuckery”. So if I’m are involved with someone don't bring any of that fuckery back to me or around me. If we’re going to be upset about anything, don't let it be about any of those extra curricular activities. We need to be solid. So don't flirt with me or get fresh with me with the intention of something happening between us if you're just going to bring bullshit behavior and excuses when I ask certain questions. Because as a man, I still expect you to lead, but I’m not going to follow blindly. There has to be a circle of trust that we stand in that involves showing grace, understanding, support, empathy, and love for one another even if we don't last a long time because remember, I talked about forever not lasting forever? If we walk away from each other, I still want to walk away knowing we did our best to enjoy each other.

No one likes the feeling of being lied to. When someone lies to me, I feel like you don’t think highly of me enough to want to listen and try to understand you. It also makes me feel like you don't want my input because you don’t want to make any changes. If you're not ready to make adjustments for me, that’s fine, but if you want to keep our connection intact then if you're going to lie to me or keep certain pieces of information from me then what you show me has to be worth more than those lies. I want and deserve that effort. Don't I? Don’t you?


A Reader's Rant: Age Gaps

“When life tries to test you, stay busy.”

Before you start reading or listening to the audio, here is conversation between a friend and myself. My messages are in blue.

The more I'm staying focused on myself, the more I stand firm on the notion that I DO NOT have to accept anything that upsets me or isn't keeping me in good spirits. And also I shouldn't have to keep telling people what I don’t have the patience for. I have enough people in my life who’ve known me for a long time and who take me into consideration and pay attention to what I do and say, so I don’t really need to make any new friends who aren't of the same hallmarks.

I also think it's very sassy and childish to block someone, because I have the discipline not to respond or answer, so I don't do things like that, but I am going to distance myself from this person. I gave as much grace as this person deserved, but I do not need to give anymore, nor do I feel obligated to do so. Like I said, this person has not been in my life a long time, and does not have a big impact on my life, and is not adding any substantial happiness, so it's really a simple decision, wouldn’t you agree?

I want value added and that’s all that matters at this point.


This site has really become more than I expected. In 2008, I never thought this my words would gain so much interest and momentum across the world. I am so grateful to all of you. It does take me some time to read through all of your messages, but I do read them. There is a reader in particular who asked if I can share her “rant” about men who prey on younger girls (I think she means legal age, and is more referring to inappropriate age gaps). When I first read the message, I thought it was one of my friends who is very adamant about this topic, like so adamant that she has the worst opinions on men who are like this, but I checked and it was not from my friend. I am not going to record me reading the rant, I’ll just leave it for you to read and interpret in your own way. I have become more on the fence with this topic ONLY because there are younger men who are interested in me, BUT I have a limit to how far they can take their interest and I don’t give them any false hope with me.

I feel like if we are going to be hard on men who fool around with younger women, then we should be just as hard on women who do the same with younger men. Although, I think the main difference between the two is that older women go into it anticipating on the situation to be temporary and just for fun, while older men go into those situation anticipating an ongoing relationship. Don’t hold me to this because I really don’t know and I don’t really have substantial experience in this area. I know when I was younger I did get involved with a man who was much older and in hindsight, I think for me it was this great big deal that I was seeing an older guy and he was so gorgeous, all the girls wanted him, but for him I was just a pretty face and someone to kick it with when he was available because he wasn’t thinking anything long-term with me. I was young and dumb and got my hopes up with someone I shouldn’t have. But, hey I guess that was just an experience I had to go through to teach me something. Such is life. And I think for the younger men and women, it’s more for image, status, and possibly stability to be with someone older. When I hear some of the young girls talk, they seem to always mention what an older man has or what he can do. They say things like, He has money. He has a good job. He drives a nice car. He has his own house. Or they’ll try to feel him out and ask him what he does for a living and all those things garners their interest towards him. I’m not saying this is always the case, but you have to think, what is the young person gaining from this situation?

Anyway, go ahead and read through what the woman set me and you are welcome to send in your thoughts about this. I will say that I do agree with a lot of what she was saying, but take a few moments to read it and we’ll recap at the bottom.

Hey Raya! Love your posts! Can you share this in a future post? I understand if you don’t but I want to share my thoughts on these old ass men who are out here f*cking around with these young girls. They need to be ashamed! Got these little girls thinking they going to be their girlfriends and wives knowing damn well these men will get laughed at and looked at crazy if they bring her around they friends and family. What do these men be thinking?!!! You don't have anything in common with these little girls except sex! You gonna tell me a 28 year girl thinks the same way as a 48 year old man???? NO! And if she does, then it’s something wrong with the man. Is you serious my n1gah? Got these girls gassing you because you can’t be the man a grown woman wants. Yall want to train these little girls. And then you end up being the old man at the club with a bunch of 20 year olds talking about what they talk about and doing what they doing and paying for everything. It’s disgusting and you letting them think they got you because you out here trying to defend your predatory habits. You n1gahs like them girls gone wild type shit that be shaking they @sses on every other n1gah, smoking and letting random n!gahs prour drinks down their throats and you think that type of girl is the one for you. These little girls got daddy issues and want to be seen and your dumb@sses don’t see through it. Yall are despicable! Stop going to their playgrounds and start being grown!

👀 Whew! That was a lot, right? So I did not change any of the language in the message, I did adjust some of the spelling of the offensive words because I don’t want to get flagged 😂. So what do you think about this?

When Momma gets out, she gets OUT! 😏

Fellas, I’m going to try to defend you on to some limit. Say you are just hanging out and a young lady starts to converse with you and you two are just enjoying your time out, I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. I think if you make it a habit, then it may be a little questionable. Like now that same girl is coming around you more or you’re inviting her out or developing a rapport with her that leads her to believe she has an in with you. That’s when things may look a little fcked up from people who know you better and think more of you. Like for instance, if I were to start dating a younger man and bringing him around and telling people we are in a serious relationship, my friends would look at me crazy and pull me to the side and let me know in one way or another that’s not a good look for me (well, some of my friends would say this right in front of him) 😏. Even if I don’t say that I’m in a serious relationship with a young man, but I am bringing him around more, my friends are cool with me having fun, but being serious about someone who isn’t on my level is a red flag to them. And that’s because they know me and they don’t want me being stupid.

Thank you to the reader who shared her thoughts, I hope the rest of you do not take this post as a negative because I want you to weed through the undertones and find the positive message. But if you could not find anything positive, let me lead you…

Who doesn’t like a good bathroom selfie???

So here is my overall thought on this. If you are at a certain age and every now and then want to have fun like you did when you were younger, do it, but don’t blur the lines between the younger crowd and the crowd that is more your caliber, people who speak your same language, who have hit the same milestones you have, and who can better understand your ways or your personality because they have maneuvered through the same life’s hurdles and responsibilities. There’s times I have fun with the younger people but that’s as far as I take it, just a good time.

My mentees are in their 20’s and the stuff they talk to me about I can speak on because I’ve been there and done that. And even though my mentees are working on their degrees, have degrees, and are career focused, they still like to go out and party, sometimes I go with them, but most times I just do things that more equate to my lifestyle.

So ladies and gentleman whom are 35 years old and up, do what makes you happy, but be cognizant with the people or the crowds you keep in contact with, more importantly the younger crowds. Make sure those people are not minimizing your way of thinking or causing you to retract back to thinking like a 20 year old again or adopting their ways. You are beyond that 💖. And I’m sure you have countless stories to share. I know I do! Continue to embrace the knowledge you hold, it took time to gain all that. Your wisdom is a part of your greatness 💞. It’s your power don’t let some 20 year old take that from you because they are still developing their knowledge and power. ✨

Be careful out there.


Dream Lover

“Wanting a good lover and being a good lover is one in the same.”

I recently watched an interview with Keke Palmer, and she was talking about how she met her partner. And I instantly loved the story she told. She says they met casually at a party, and at that time, she wasn’t looking for anything serious, just someone to have a good time with and move on. But as they got to know each other, they started to realize they were a good match. Keke also says that personal growth contributed to her being ready for love and that when she was younger, she was attracted to a different type of man. But now, she's with a man who fulfills her wants. And I just applaud all of this. I hope they last a very long time.

So it got me to thinking, if I were to create a perfect lover, what type of man would he be? What qualities would he have?

I guess I would start off by wanting a man I meet naturally, like just casually out, and we meet each other that way. And I love it when men who are handsome but don't really know that they are handsome so they don’t act arrogant or full of themselves. I also like men who are a little shy, so they don’t know exactly what to say to a woman, but they are still confident enough to say something. But most importantly, I absolutely love a man who is funny and knows how to laugh even at himself. I like to be silly. Even when I sound serious, I still give some sort of sarcastic undertones. I want my lover to match my humor and start having inside jokes that only we get.

As far as his character, I want an honorable man who sticks by his word. And I want him to be meticulous about his ways where he doesn’t cause me to question the type of man he is. I'd like for my lover to be family oriented, supportive of his friends, contribute to his community, and still make time to see about me.

I need my lover to be a comfort but also a challenge. I want him to pull the best out of me and be open to me pulling the best out of him. I don’t want someone who throws in the towel after one disagreement. Even if we're at odds, I still want him to care about my well-being an not try to convince himself not to be good to me or communicate with me.

In the next few years, I'll be presenting my dissertation to various groups of people in different sectors of education, leadership, and government so I’m going to be collecting a lot of research. I would love for the man with whom I'm intimate with to show his support in some way whether it's him sitting in the crowd, encouraging me backstage, sending me a sweet message, or sending something nice to my house or my hotel to remind me that he's thinking of my and wishing me the best.

I don’t want a man who feels like he is being overshadowed by my ambitions and decides it too much for him, so he steps away from me. No, I want my lover to know that I will show up and show out for him, too. This is a mutual thing. I want to listen to his goals and insights and figure how I can help or support. I want us to speak the same language so we can understand each other and keep learning from each other even if we decide to stop being intimate.

I want my lover to be my friend. A good friend and a true friend. Not a friend who only considers me a friend when I do things that only appease him. But a friend who also sees where he could be a better friend to me and acts on it.

I want a lover to be able to look at me from across a room and know from my facial expressions if I need him to come next to me or not. Or he just looks over to let me know he's keeping an eye on me to make sure I'm okay.

But one of the things that makes me weak is chivalry. I love a man with gentlemanly traits and doesn't make me feel like I always need to be so independent. I don't know how to explain this but chivalry is an element of subtle dominance. And I love it when a man does things that allows me to completely be a delicate woman. Bring out my soft side. A good lover deserves that part of me and I want to be a good lover back.

Is this a lot to ask? Do men like this exist? Ugh. Let me just stay in my zone and keep minding my own business because I don't have the patience to ruin my pH balance for a man that's not at least 80% like this.

Be safe out there.


We Are Mosaics

“I'm feeling relaxed, blessed, and sexy. This is life.”

People are like mosaics, made up of countless pieces that come together to create our unique individual selves. One of the most significant influences on our individual mosaic is the people we spend time with or meet in passing. Our likes and dislikes are often shaped by the people we surround ourselves with, consciously or unconsciously. We might adopt the tastes of our closest friends or family members, whether it's music, food, or hobbies. On the other hand, we might actively reject certain things based on the experiences of those around us. However, even with all these shared pieces, we each have our unique mosaic, a one-of-a-kind collection of likes and dislikes that makes us who we are.

If you think about it, you’ve probably interacted with thousands of people in your life and the ones you remember are the ones that left some sort of impression on you. And sometimes those impressions teach us a thing or two.

Here are some things that make up my mosaic:

  • I do not leave the house unless I am presentable because my father once told me that first impressions make a big difference and you never know who you will meet when you leave your house.

  • The way I eat sushi was taught to me by one of my ex’s friend. He showed me certain techniques that I still do today.

  • I did not know I liked Indian food until I had a work lunch and my boss at that time ordered for me. Ever since then I make sure to order some of the same dishes.

  • When I do carry cash I put the lower amount bills on the outside because when I was an teenager withdrawing money from the teller an older man told me that’s how you should organize your money so people do not see how much money you really have.

  • One of my previous lovers told me that it is not attractive for a woman to throw herself on men or chase them, and that stuck with me.

  • There are certain songs that instantly make me smile because it reminds me of someone I care about or of someone I either loved or admired.

  • Titos and lemonade became my go-to cocktail because I was at a bar once and I did not know what I wanted to order but I wanted something light and refreshing. My friend suggested that drink and it’s been my choice ever since.

  • I stopped saying that I don’t require much or that I’m low maintenance because a friend told me it gives people the chance to treat less than I deserve.

People imprint themselves onto us and we hold on to the prints that make is feel good. The beautiful thing is that our mosaics are constantly being added to. And I can only hope I added some good things to those I've come across.


The Standard And Not The Standard

“Men these days want to be pursued like women.”

I've gotten a lot of questions a out the men from my last topic. Anytime I say "My Ex" I'm referring to the father of my children. And he is the only one true ex relationship, we shared a home together, our finances were linked, and we had children together. We were building a life together. And of all the 4 men, the ex, Chicago, Poppa, and Athlete, the ex is the only one that I meets my standard the least. Nothing about him has changed or improved. And I think its a combination of his environment and him being too comfortable in it and not having enough better thinking people to encourage him to do or be better. But hey, he has not been part of my worries for over 10 years, so he lives how he wants to, my kids are still thriving. That's what important in this scenario.

Standards are important, because you need to know what you're willing to accept and not accept. With Chicago, there’s a few things I cannot accept, but the main thing is his age. He can't empathize with all the things I have going on in my life because he hasn't reached that point yet. I want to be able to have critical conversations with someone I'm intimate with. I cannot do that with Chicago.

With Poppa and the athlete, there particular nuances about them that are somewhat similar to mine which you would think being alike is great and it can be, but at times the similarities can make it difficult to keep things balanced. I'm not the common woman, I have a portfolio of business and multiple income avenues. I manage those things everyday, plus my family and what the need of me, so I feel my time is just as valuable as any man's time who is doing the same things.

All of us have a minimum standard. And our standards can change depending of what we want vs. what we need. Our standards also change through different milestones we reach in life. We are not exactly the same person we were 15 or 20 years ago, right? Our core values may be the same, but our character has developed in that time in regards to how we act, what we think about, who we choose to entertain, and how we make decisions.

And part of having standards is also understanding you're too good for something and that you don't have to deal with someone's nonsense or what they decide to do. I don't like a man who gossips or talks badly about women. I don’t like a man who thinks he's always right. I don’t like a man who doesn't listen to my concerns. I don't like a man who doesn't have direction in life. And these dislikes shape my standards.

I don’t think anything that's worth it is easy, but I also don’t believe it should be a daily struggle either. Which leads to another standard I have which is communication. You've got to talk to me about things that may be bothering you, on your mind, or changes you want to make. For me, if we're playing in each other's bedsheets, the activities and interactions don't stop there. Sit down, relax, talk to me, even if it isn't about anything important, let's just hear each other's voices. That's the part of intimacy that keeps me interested.

I know how I have my life setup,i want to know how you have your life setup or in other words, your standards. I like to keep my personal spaces cleaned and organized, I'm very particular about that. It makes my feel calm when my space is clean and aesthetically pleasing.

Setting a standard is also saying you have requirements and limits. It may not be a lot, but you still have them. Otherwise you're for everyone and everyone is for you. And I'll tell you right now, I'm not for everyone and everyone is definitely not for me.

And ladies, please stop creating your stadards based on what other people tell you or what you see on social media. And stop comparing your relationship to what these so-called "love experts" say. Who tell you things like:

  • If he's not calling you everyday, he doesn’t care.

  • If he's too busy to text you then he's not the one.

  • If he really loves you he'll show you everyday.

  • He should be ignoring all other women for you.

Listen love is not one size fits all, what works for you works for you. Just be clear on your standards. Men this goes for you too, not every woman loves the same way. And you may feel different things for different women, and if that's how you want your life, then you need to get good at juggling or you need to decide who you want to focus more love to.

Be safe out there everyone.


Forever Doesn't Last A Long Time

“Foreva-eva?…eva-eva?”

I used to think it would be great if everything lasted forever, but now I believe in reality. Even if you are in a committed and long-term relationship, time passes so quickly that forever can seem so short and you're left with memories and if your relationship does withstand the test of time, then memories are the best attributes to your love for one another. But this isn’t about that…

Whether you are married, single, in between relationships, or just dating around, I think we can all agree that our emotions are unpredictable. What we feel today might not be what we feel tomorrow and changing our minds is at our discretion because it’s our emotions. The tricky element is someone else's emotions may not align with ours. And that’s where feelings get hurt. I wrote about change of hearts earlier this year where I mentioned that at any given moment a relationship can change course because of one or both people. And I think when that happens it's the result of wanting different things. You may have started out having the same visions, but eventually something shifts and if the person isn’t shifting in the same direction then the relationship begins to break.

Happy, Blessed & Highly Favored

I Love It Here.

I think with where I’m at in life I completely understand the concept of forever not lasting a long time. Say I decided to start something with Chicago (the young man who I met last year), I would already know going into it that it’s not going to be long-term. Even if I get so wrapped up into him, in the back of my mind, I’d still be cognizant that this love affair temporary. And let’s say for instance, the guy I call Poppa calls me up and suggesting we start getting close again. I’d have to chose who I want to have a love affair with because I won’t be with both if them. And just because I choose one over the other doesn't mean one is the better man because even with Poppa, I wouldn't go into it thinking it will last forever. So let’s say I choose Poppa and then out of nowhere the Athlete from my past pops up and wants to start spending time with me again. I’d have to make another decision between the two because if no man is contributing to my home in one way or another, I am a single woman. And it's the same for a man. We have no obligation towards each other except for our feelings. So in any event you have to decide how deep your feelings are for someone. And emotions can run strong. They can also run hot and cold. That's why I don’t like to have any expectations too high about anyone. I can love someone and not be with them because loving someone and being in love are two different characters.

Any man who I’ve been with, I don’t ever speak ill of them, I may mention things I didn't agree with, but I don’t strip a man of his qualities. I think right now, I just want to enjoy who I enjoy no matter how long it lasts, but I also want a heads up when feelings change and when our forever is coming to an end. I don’t like being left in the dark when it comes to that, but here’s the other side of it and ladies I know most of you hate my mindset about this. If I’m involved with someone and he has strong feelings for me, but when he goes out he makes little connections with other women my only requirement is don’t let those little emotions outweigh your feelings for me. Don’t let those situations effect how you act towards me. If your feelings are strong for me then protect that. Because I’m still firm on the fact if I’m fooling with you, then I’m for you and I’m going to protect my feelings for you too. This isn't one sided and it's not just about me, so I am going to give you the same love. If you feel differently about me then say it because that’s when I feel I am being played with, when a man isn’t honest about his feelings towards me.

I’m not going to go through a man's phone and nag him about where he's going and who’ll be around him. No, I chose peace. I’ll be honest with you, I used to be like that when I was with my ex. I chose chaos over peace, actually we both did and it just blew up so much that I had to walk away. And I’m not trying to say that I welcome a man to make a fool of me, no. I am just giving him the option to be careful with what he does when he's not with me OR he can choose to be sloppy and cause problems for us. But the biggest hurdle he’ll have with me is that my intuition is 99% on point. I can feel the slightest difference in someone's behavior, so he’s got to be a master at whatever he does when it comes to keeping our connection going.

When I’m around, those silly girls aren’t and they have no leverage over me and no one is trying to be in your face or push up on you. And you know who has spoiled me about that??? ALL OF MY GUY FRIENDS. Anytime I hang out with my guys, there may be some women looking their way or want to talk to them, and my friends may chat with them for a few minutes, but they don’t take their focus away from me. And I’ve never asked them to do that. And that might have made me overly confident, but why shouldn't I be? I’m not perfect, but I’m the only one who’s me. And I’m not sorry that my fellas set the bar high. Catch up. So if a man can't meet that requirement I have, then our forever is going to be very short. So forever-eva? Nah…maybe just forever-for-now.


Cougar-ish

“How long should a woman keep being selfish with her Hello Kitty?…And when does the “cougar age” begin?…Asking for a friend.” 😂

The last few months I have gotten so many messages from women telling me about their personal experiences with dating younger men. Some good and some not so good, but with all of the stories I read, ALL OF YOU NEED JESUS!

Thank you to all my willing and non-willing participants. - Love, Raya 😘

If anyone is new here, let me give you some background on why women are sharing their experiences. Last year, I met a young man whom is over 10 years younger than me. Nothing has developed other than a friendship because I let him know I cannot offer him anything more than just that. Every now and then, he tries to convince me otherwise, but I still stand my ground. He does have all the accolades of a man my age and older and I do love how he talks to me (he makes me blush sometimes with the things he says), the way he dresses could be a little better, but he’s 25 and he’s in that generation of questionable style, but he does have a beautiful smile, and very muscular…he’s a gorgeous young man, but I still will not let him have me. I even asked one of my guy friends what I should do with him and he told me that I don’t owe him anything and I have the upper hand so I can do whatever I want with him and not feel guilty about it. I think the guilty part is what keeps me from letting this young man pull my panties to the side. He’s from Chicago, so that’s what I will refer to him as.

But the stories that YOU LADIES shared with me…I feel like I need to take my brain out and wash it several times over because you are too much! But in each story, the ladies made it clear that the experience was purely for their pleasure and entertainment. Some of the women spoiled their young men, flew them out on trips, took them shopping, had them run errands, or do chores around the house….and I am just fascinated! I am capable of doing things like that for a man and I do not have issues spoiling a man, but it’s the thought of doing such things and when he cannot do the same for me is another thing I am stuck on. But Chicago is cable of treating me because he already has a professional career with a 401k and substantial savings…I still can’t give into him though.

One of you ladies suggested that I just try him out to see if this is something I can be comfortable doing. I’m like “try him out?” — He’s not a pair of shoes, he’s a person. He has feelings. I can’t just put him back on the shelf if it’s not a good fit. My guy friends tell me that if I do decide to do anything with him and I do not like the whole experience or vibe then I can just cut him off without explanation. Hey, I’ve mentioned plenty of times that my guy friends are a little unfiltered. And you know what I realized a few times when hanging out with them, I don’t think most of them know how old I am. I think they may presume I am close to their age because I connect with them very well and effortlessly, but realistically, most of the male friends I communicate with often average 8-14 years older than me. Some of them have asked me my age, but I never gave a straight answer.

“Bitties”

Dear Future Lover,

Treat me good and you will have it ALL.

As far as this whole idea of being involved with someone much younger, there is no convincing me that this is a good idea. Another woman shared that she was fooling around with a young one in college and even attended his graduation and went to his graduation party WHERE HIS FAMILY WAS AT!!! 😮 Yeahhh, I don’t want to meet any family, especially parents. Another woman shared that she went to her young lover’s baby shower, BABY SHOWER that was held at the expecting girl’s parents house! Of course I had so many questions for this devious woman! But what almost knocked my out of my chair was when she said that they had sex in the baby-momma-to-be bed while everyone was outside! I have no words. But you know what, I do like for a man I’m involved with to suggest risky things like that. 💦

From what I gathered from all of the ladies stories is that younger men want to please you because it boosts their ego and confidence to have an older woman so they are going to make more of an effort to give you what makes you happy, but they are still going to try to assert dominance because they don’t want to be treated like a child, so they may challenge you a bit…which I do not mind at all, I like for a man to put bass in his voice and check me sometimes 😼. They want you to know that they ARE grown men even though they are younger. Although, all of you ladies said in one form or another that the young ones still have their childish ways, but the good thing about being older is that you already have your life structured to how you want it, so you can close the door anytime if the young man isn’t entertaining anymore. — I’m like, Woooow, you women are COLD! 👀

I am still not convince that this is a route for me. Maybe in another 10 years, but I just cannot see myself in those kinds of situations. Chicago is just going to have to eventually move on or deal with me not giving in. 😌


The Side Effects Of Hate

“Popularity doesn't give you the same peace as solidarity.”

I only have 3 social media accounts: LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. I use each platform for different purposes. LinkedIn is of course for work, school, and business related content. Instagram is just for fun and passing the time. Facebook is for family and people I grew up with. But with each platform, I see so much criticism, judgment, and just pure hate. I don’t entertain or join into any of than nonsense, but I always wonder what drives a person to just outwardly say nasty or disheartening things to other people? Like, you just wake up and choose to be mad? WHY? The the interesting thing is people who are like this most of the time live completely different lives than the people they dislike.

And really, it’s no different in our actual lives too. Have you ever encountered people who don’t like you for things that you have no control of? What I have experienced more is people having an issue with me because of someone else’s feelings or opinions. And it’s more often women not liking me because I am friends with a man they like or they assume a man will like me more. Sadly, this is one of the main reasons why I hang out with my guy friends more so than I do with my girl friends because women are just very catty and most women like to travel in groups together whereas, I like to come and go by myself.

Urban Vintage

A friend of a close friend has a clothing brand in Alabama. Support your people, people.

urbanvintageclothing.com

My two best friends are sort of similar, they don’t really have too many girl friends, as a matter of fact they are not even friends with each other. Growing up, I mixed in with all the different clicks in school and my two besties were in different clicks. They don’t have any issues with each other, they just never hang out together and I became close to each of them separately. And what I love about these two women is that they are not the gossip types or whispering behind peoples back or trying to convince people not to be friends with other people. My besties are solid and they know that I make friends everywhere so when I do get the chance to spend time with them, they keep an eye out for the people around me to make sure people don’t get out of hand with me. They don’t instigate or start trouble, they just keep it from happening and deescalate any issues if necessary because we are all adults and have a lot to lose if shit hits the fan. I learned that people who don’t have their priorities right or do not have too much going on in their lives don’t care about securing their comfort or livelihoods. Oh, but trust me, my friends will throw hands if they have to. — We just don’t make that the first or only option.

But it is very unfortunate that I get more discrimination from women than I do from men. I think this has a lot to do with their own personal insecurities and inadequacies. I am doing great in life, yes my responsibilities have conditioned me to be a certain way with a certain type of temperament, but I never digress from wishing or wanting other people to do great in life too. I am always encouraging people to achieve their goals and level up. I am also aware that my goals are not the same as the next person, for example, I never wanted roommates and I never wanted to work at a place that was not career oriented and did not encourage upward mobility. Someone else may be okay with sharing a space with someone else and staying at the same positions for many year without a promotion or substantial raise. I know in some industries, you can have the same title, but receive good raises each year or commissioned based careers. The great thing about my professional skill set is that is useful in any field of business and there is no limit to how much I can earn. I think a goal everyone should have is to be fiscally responsible; where it does not matter if you are making 45k a year or 145k a year, but if you are not smart with your money, it will never be enough. Although again, I am aware that everyone does not have the same wants as I do, but at the very least, you should not be stuck and just accepting it or praying for someone else to change your situation and then discrediting certain people because you feel threatened or intimidated.

I know I have mentioned plenty of times before that when I hang out with my guys it can look like we are together because we are laughing and being engaged in each others conversations, but that’s just how me and my fellas are; from those who I grew up with to the ones I became close to in the last few years. For instance, my one guy friend from childhood is all about me when we see each other, which is about once a year or less. If we are hanging out somewhere, he always makes sure to look over at me and ask if I’m good or if I need anything even if he has a lady friend with him, he’ll make sure I’m comfortable before anyone else. Because the one thing we should all keep in mind is no matter how many sweethearts or lovers we have whether they are long term or short term, our good friends are still there and we should not mistreat them to appease someone else.

I tell my friends that if a man gives me an ultimatum about my friendships with people, then he’s got to go. He doesn’t have to be friends with my friends, but he’ll have to learned that my friends have seen me through a lot and I’m not going to cut them off because he feels threatened. And if a man is around long enough, then he will learn that I am a loyal lover, but I am a loyal friend too. He will have not have to worry about anyone else bedding me if he is my romantic partner. None of my close guys friends are confused of my friendship with them, they know exactly where I stand and vice versa. So if any man that I may become involved with has an issue with my guy friends, I’ll hear him out, but he will not sway me to stop being friends with any of them. I’ll let him know if I am going to hang out with them, because even though I won’t accept ultimatums, I still want him to know there is nothing sneaky going on. Here’s the thing, if me and a guy are not married, we do not have kids together, or we do not share a living space together or share any finances together, then respectfully we still have our own individual lives apart from each other. I will make a point to reassure him that I’m his and loyal to him, but he’s not going to change my mind about people who have been here way before him.

I also don’t like non-humorous pettiness, like don’t come to hang out with me and my friends to be shady towards them all to prove that I’m with you. If I’m going home with you, then there is no reason for a man to be rude or disrespectful towards any of my friends. You can still show that I am with you by being attentive to me and showing love to my friends, but don’t be standoffish to anyone in my circle. If you’re uncomfortable, I’ll most likely already notice it and do what I can to accommodate a man, but don’t ever start problems with the people I love.

Hate is bad energy and it can bleed into other parts of our lives and affect our decisions and how we treat people. It can also cause us to distance ourselves from people without valid reasons other than the fact we are going off of biased judgments. We do not have to be friends, but we also do not have to tear each other down. Hate takes away from who we can or should be. It’s one of those things where you have to think, “Is this the type of person I want to be or show people?

“If you can’t be a good friend to a woman because you're afraid of upsetting a broad you aren’t living with, then both of you are the problem.” 🤷🏽‍♀️


Talk To Me With Bass

“Are you still fooling with clowns or do you need me to come get you?” - Love, Raya 😘

Thank you to all those who have sent me birthday wishes so far. I’ve been celebrating since May 1st and we are only half way through! I’m not going out everyday, the main difference from my usual routines is when I stay in, I make myself some drinks and turn on a movie or show instead of keeping my laptop open and doing work after 5pm. By the way, have you watched “Life of Otto” yet with Tom Hanks? He’s one of my favorite actors. The movie isn't fast pace or has any action in it. It’s more sentimental and shows the phases of losing someone close and feeling empty, but it also shows the importance and impact of transferring love to other parts of your life. It’s well worth watching.

DISCLAIMER: This topic is NOT work friendly. Make sure to have your headphones in and that your Bluetooth is not connected to the conference room.

My two best friends and I have conversations about this often and we were all raised in the same area so they completely understand when I say that I when a man talks to me with bass in his voice especially when he's trying to put me in my place or handle me a certain way. 😍

A man who can leave me speechless is such a turn on, because you're not physically dominating me, you're mentally challenging in a way that makes me reflect on how I'm acting I find that so attractive. For instance, one time my young friend and I were going somewhere to just hangout and he said he was bringing his gun with him. Where we were going had a very strict weapons policy and I told him he couldn't do that and that I didn’t want to have any issues getting in. He said it was going to be fine and we went back and forth for a little bit until he finally just said with a firm tone: “Listen, I’m bringing my gun. We won’t have any problems. So stop fussing at me!” - (My nipples got excited with that 😆) I didn't say anything more about and sure enough, we got to the place, there was a whole team of law enforcement at the front and he walked up to them, I stayed back, but a few minutes later, it was like Remy Ma and Fat Joe where they just let him walk around the metal detectors…’cuz ain't no reason to check us. And at that moment, I thought to myself, this kid just keeps impressing me and I really need to keep myself away from him, but I know one thing for damn sure, no one will fck with me when he’s around! I will be fully protected.

The Effort Series

Momma was outside on Mother’s Day!…P.S. This is how I’m going to look at a man who can handle me with grace and with bass. 💦

I don't know what it is, I just love a man that's a MAN. Who knows how to treat me as a woman, like I am important to him. I know we are all busy especially those of use who have more than just ourselves to manage and especially men who have a lot on their minds, so I notice when men take time to acknowledge me like sending me a nice message, wishing me a good day, or a great weekend, things like that, but a man who also knows how to talk to me when I’m being a little too much or when I’m talking shit. A man who doesn't avoid me or insult me or tries to prove something to someone else by acting poorly towards me. A man who still see me as me and remembers that my strong personality sometimes needs the right temperament. Instead, he suppresses my dominant demeanor because he understands the patience and firmness I need so he asserts his own dominance to make me revert back to my feminine attributes. Like he lets me be who I am, but he puts me right back in my place as a woman. A man who says something like, “Okay, keep acting up, but when I get over there you better cut it out.

One of my bestfriends told me that the longer I go without being with a man who can handle me, the more aggressive and out of control my attitude becomes 🤣. So she's going to pray for the man who gets that chance to try. And my other best friend thinks I should move back north and get me a Philly, Jersey, or New York man. 😂 Listen, I’m not going to downplay it, I do have a certain assertive attitude mainly because I worked hard to get to where I am at. I’m up at the top shelf and if a man is at the bottom shelf, we don’t speak the same language, no matter how attractive he may be. And men should have the same mindset as well, there is a lot of beautiful women out here, but all of them don’t have the same tenacity. If she’s at the bottom shelf and she’s hustling just to stay at the same place she started from, then she’s not husting, she’s just getting by. And any man that I have been involved with, if he starting dealing with a woman who isn’t at the same level in life as me or higher, then he didn’t upgrade, he just settled for something easier. And I’m sorry if I sound cocky, but again I worked hard to get where I’m at and my confidence will definitely outshine many people. So I need for someone to match my energy and not be unsure of it. Any man that I used to be intimate with and it did not work out for whatever reason, I would still want him to meet someone with high accolades or better.

Because if you’re not doing better, then what are your really doing? — Getting your 🍆 wet?

In which case, have your fun sir! 😜

And it’s not just the sense of him knowing how to settle me, I also like it for a man to make me nervous in a flirtatious way. Like if he knows he’s being charming and says something…maybe sexual that makes me blush or makes me turn away so he doesn't see me smiling. Every now and then I may say something risky to a guy and one of the besties said I need to stop doing that because a man will get tired of a woman playing games with him and these are her words, “If you’re not planning to drop off those titties and that puss to him, then stop teasing before he comes to snatch you.” 🤣 (Shiiit….I might like that. That might be just what I need. 🫠) - But just to be clear, I don’t say suggestive things to every man, I say them to men who I know won’t expect me to act on anything, even then I know that's not fair, so trust me I don’t do it often.

I do have my standards, I don’t just give myself to anyone and there's not a lot of men who can't say they've had me. Generally, if a man smells good, dresses like he has a professional career, he's funny, is a gentleman, I do find that attractive even if I don’t act on that attraction, BUT if he knows how to handle me and talk to me with bass…Ladies, my Hello Kitty is going to be like, “Okay heffa, it’s time to stop being selfish and let this Niagara fall!” 💦

Confidence + Dominance + Cockiness = I Assume Whatever Position You Want 😽


Please Him Too

“Rare breeds are just rare, they don’t have to announce it.”

Before I get into the topic I want to share this really quick. I know I am late on this, but I recently did a binge on the BelAir. The show is a newer version of Fresh Prince, but instead of a comedy, it’s a drama which is what made me hesitant to get into it in the first place. I feel like there are too many drama shows these days and I didn't want to be disappointed with this show….like the second season of Harlem with Meagan Good. Anyway, I loved watching Fresh Prince after school. It was wholesome and funny. And I did enjoy this newer version in a more critical thinking kind of way. I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn't watched it yet. The first few episodes I was a little skeptical, but I stuck with it and the characters became exactly what I expected of them. Even though these are fictional people it’s still based off of real human emotions, circumstances, and tough decision making strategies. You see, regardless of backgrounds, race, and generations, human behaviors are the same everywhere. The difference is how we express and manage our behaviors and much of the scenarios in this show was slightly predictable to me, and one of my strengths and weaknesses is that fact that I am very observant of people and how they operate, but still the show was entertaining nonetheless. If you haven't watched it, I do suggest giving it a chance.

The Effort Series

Some of my friends tell me that they’ve never seen me in casual attire or even pants. Lol.

Now, on to the topic…

I wasn't sure how I wanted to talk about this topic so it's been sitting in my drafts for months now. Usually, when we talk about “pleasure” it’s mainly referring to sex. I decided this isn’t going to be about sex. Sorry if that’s what you were expecting, but I’m going to discuss something more valuable.

DISCLAIMER: Men, please don’t think I’m taking anything away from you with some of the things I’m going to say, for instance, you're egos make you more delicate than women. Let me explain. It’s considered normal and accepted for women to talk about their issues, flaws, and setbacks. The same grace isn't given to men, so all that just builds up and any puncture to a man's ego can set him off, maybe not in a huge way, but in a way that he may do things that don’t cast him in the best light.

I pay attention to things like this. I also know when men are intimidated by me. They move differently and talk to me differently and most of the time they hold themselves back from saying or doing what they want to say to me because they cannot predict how I may receive them. Even a confident man can be intimidated, I’ve experienced this first hand.

So ladies, in this topic of pleasing him too, it's more about paying attention to the man that he shows you and being gentle to the weakness he doesn't talk about. This doesn't mean allowing someone to make you foolish, but rather engage with his personality type and give just enough grace to his flaws that he feels comfortable and accepted around you. Don't forget about your feelings in the process, but also don’t give ultimatum or make compromises that don’t serve you too. Instead, acknowledge his needs in conjunction with your own and be clear with what you're willing to do to accommodate both of you. A mature man will want to discuss those accommodations, see that your willing to understand him, and give you equal affections.

In any kind of relationship, there will be peaks and valleys, but relationships that last long-term display acts of unselfishness, compromise, grace, and an equal understanding of each other’s individual lives, responsibilities, and stresses that come along with being well…an adult.

Pleasing a man is identifying that the same sort of things that make you happy can also make him happy, like asking about his day, embracing him when you see him, and speaking with him without scrutiny and criticism (outside of talking sh*t, because I’ll aways do that so a man can't get sensitive when I’m going in on him. 🤣) All joke aside, pleasing him is about not treating him how society treats him, but showing and giving him the love he needs so he can be the best man he is capable of being. But fellas, don’t think that just because a woman is loving you right that there is nothing you should be doing different or more of. If we are not improving, we are staying stagnant, and no one wants a connection that isn’t thriving.


To Be A H*e Or Not To Be A H*e?

“Sometimes we gotta do bald-headed hoe sht.” - (😂 My friends just say anything to me, but I was never one of the girls who was grinding on a man at the club. Or bending over to shake my a**. This generation is the generation that seeks validation on being seen and the men want to be treated like women.)

Some of my friends are starting to get on me about putting myself out there. I told them I went on a few dates some months ago, but I guess that doesn’t count because I really wasn’t into to who idea in the first place. But, my thing is, WHAT AM I PUTTING MYSELF OUT THERE FOR? Half these men come with bullsh*t while the other half want to take advantage of that fact that I am busy and laidback. Okay, just because I do not have a lot of time to spare and that I am very easy-going doesn’t mean I’m just going to accepted any type of treatment. Now remember one of the gems that my friend told me to start putting into my daily affirmations? “I AM THE CATCH” ‼️ So yeah, you’re not going to treat me as if I’m a second-hand discounted option.

The Effort Series

This was taken in 2015. If nothing else, one thing I’ll always do is show some THIGHS & LEGSSSS!

I prefer someone who I’m comfortable with, who knows my personality, who won’t get upset when I’m not available, who I can go grab food with or cook with, and someone who I can just sit with and enjoy his company even if we aren’t doing anything. I feel like that’s simple, but it may still be a tall ask for some men. Remember when I was mentioning the guy I refer to as “Poppa” and how when we want to be alone, we kind of shut off the world around us and it can seem like we are being distant when really, that’s just how we like to decompress sometimes and reflect on things. I don’t want a guy to misinterpret that and think I’m off doing something with another man, yes I do have guys friends and I do hang out with them time to time, but if I am being intimate with you, then you are the only person I am intimate with. Like, I would love for a man to come volunteering with me or meet some of my mentees and give them some wisdom for his perspective. 👀

The question is, should I put myself out there and entertain multiple men? One of my friends told me that if a man isn’t asking me to be his girlfriend that I need to go all dates with all the different men who are interest in me. But I feel like that brings down my stock. And the more ahead in life I am, the more my stock goes up. If I make myself available to any man then what does that say about my value? 👎

In my eyes, to be intimate with someone is also to be very vulnerable with them, physically and emotionally. And I am very strict about who I am vulnerable with. Plus, do you ladies remember when I talked about our pH Balance and how sexual partners effect that? Yeah, I like my pretty kitty to be healthy. 💦 As of right now, I could drive 30 minutes to an hour away from my front door and I can count LESS than five fingers how many men I have been intimate with. Listen, I take pride in that; my Hello Kitty is precious, any man who has had the privilege to lay with me should feel special, because I don’t just give it up to any one. 💦

So no, by today’s definition, I cannot be a hoe. I’ll sit and spark up a conversation with anyone, but not anyone can have me. So if you were to see me sitting next to a man laughing and enjoying my time, it doesn’t not mean I am sleeping with him or have a romantic interest in him. I think that’s the main reason I like hanging out with my guy friends because with them, I have a male presence, they enjoy me and I enjoy them, but nothing occurs after the night is over.

And I do not have anything against women being sexually free with men, you know what you want. Especially with how social conventions have shifted with the boom of social media apps and reality tv, everyone wants to be seen and exposed and they always want to show what they are doing or tell their friends about it. That’s all fine and dandy, but hey, I know what I want too and that’s not how I want to be. I have a great social personality, but for the most part, I like to be more simple and low-key, so the hoe life ain’t for me. 😶‍🌫️


Acts of Service

“Don’t ask me who else is taking my attention, instead be the one I want to make time for.”

With me keeping myself to myself going on 2 years now and a learning more detailed tidbits about myself. So we’ve talked about the 5 Love Languages before:

Words of affirmation - Words build you up. You thrive on spoken affection, praise, encouragement, and compliments. Harsh words and criticism can bother you for a long time.

Acts of Service - Anything that your partner does willingly to ease your workload is a sign of love to you. You feel cared for when your partner vacuums before you get to it or makes you breakfast as a surprise. On the other hand, broken promises or laziness can make you feel unimportant.  

Receiving Gifts - Thoughtful gift shows to you that you are special. In contrast, generic gifts and forgotten special events have the opposite effect. This love language isn’t necessarily materialistic – it could be as simple as receiving your favorite snack after a bad day.

Quality Time - You feel loved when you get undivided attention. When your partner is truly present (and not looking at their phone), it makes you feel important.  Failure to actively listen or long periods without one-on-one time can make you feel unloved.

Physical Touch - Holding hands, kisses, hugs, and other touches are your preferred way to show and receive love. Appropriate touches convey warmth and safety, while physical neglect can drive a wedge between you and your partner.    

I am now identifying that my languages are Words of Affirmation and Acts of Service. Third and forth is quality time and is physical touch. And the last is receiving gifts. And this makes a lot of sense to me and I think when I was younger, the order was different and physical touch was my top one. On top of that, I fully understand why receiving gifts is at the bottom because objects don’t hold value to me as much as the person and spending time with them.

I think I started noticing this about myself through my communication with my little young Chicago boy, btw, he’s not too upset with me anymore. I don’t know if I shared this previously, but my little youngin’ was irritated that I was not answering his calls and making time to hang out with him. To be honest, I was trying to distance myself a little because I felt he was getting too close and didn’t want him to feel mislead by me. So I am still treading lightly and my biggest gripe about him is his dialogue. Like he’ll text me randomly and just type “Hey” — WTH am I supposed to do with that, he knows I am highly intelligent so why would he think that is going to solicit a response from me? I need depth, I need context, not the bare minimum. I mean I can dumb it down and be mediocre, but there’s a limit to that. Okay…I’m being facetious with what I am about to say…English is not my first language, so your dialogue and vernacular should be a lot better than mine.

But here’s the other part to it, this young man does know how to talk to me sometimes. And I’ll never admit this to him, but he did catch my attention when he was getting a little playfully aggressive and saying things like, “I know you’re older, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know what I want too and right now, I want to see you.” 😳 And then he told me, “I know you’re not slow so stop acting like it, unless you found some new dude, let me know when you’re free.” 👀 Listen, when he was talking to me like this, I was just on the other end of the phone like, this boy really don’t know how attractive he’s being right now 😜! I guess this is another perspective of Words of Affirmation! I definitely need to be careful with this young man and keep reminding myself I cannot give him everything he wants, especially since in one of our conversations I learned that there’s only a few years difference between me and his mother! Yeahh…NO, I’m not playing those games. 🚫

Although, aside from his age and poor texting skills and maybe a few other things, he’s still a great young man and surprisingly he's gotten comfortable enough to talk to me about certain things like money. Ladies, this kid is 25 years old and already making six figures 😳! And he looking to buy his first investment property and he asking me about stocks and going back to school to get his Master's degree. I applaud him. Like, how many 25 years olds do you know who are this disciplined?! He’s not out here without a place of his own and no car walking around talking about other people, he's got his shit together. I don’t know what the universe is doing, but if I were to be involved with someone younger, it would be this a person similar to this.

  • Another thing I notice, and let me know if you’ve had this experience or picked up on this too, I notice that there is a difference with younger women dating older men and younger men dating older women. With the younger women, they are more willing to change themselves, their values, their routines, their behaviors to fit the older man or to appease him…I’ve witnessed this first hand so I know I am on to something here, talking about “I don’t go out that much anymore” — 😒 Girl, you’re still a kid, you’re supposed to go out and play. You may be fooling that older man, but you ain’t fooling me. But with the younger men, they do not change much of themself. The main difference with them is they are more aware that older women have experienced more things in life so these younger guys are more willing to listen and try to understand an older woman. I like that. 👍🏽

Now with acts of service, I feel like that brings so much value to my life. If you are doing things that make my day go by easier, I don’t know if I can keep myself from not loving you. And it’s not just gentlemanly things like walking me to my door or checking on me, it’s asking if I need something from the store before you come over or offering to cook me dinner and cleaning the dishes after, even if I refuse (because independent women have gotten used doing things on our own), you still know that is something I admire from a man, even if he’s just a friend. I’ve have plenty of platonic friends who do things for me that make my days better and I absolutely love them for it. Like offer to water my plants if I am going to be out of town for a long period of time, little simple things like that I find value with. 🥰