Bad

November 18, 2009

Essence, Ebony, Cosmo, Mademoiselle. All these fashion/lifestyle magazines that preach about how to make a man do this/that, how to tell what a man is thinking/doing, etc. Women adhering to the messages ad conclusions sent out, with the intent of getting/keeping a man. I believe that this frame of mind not only leads down a course of action that in most cases DOESN’T work (told to me by the women who read these articles), but it promotes a frame of mind that is less honest with herself and promotes people pleasing.

I’m a firm believer that you know how you operate better than anybody on Earth. No matter who you are and how much we aspire to become better, we will never become perfect. I also believe that if you are dealing with someone, the best way to deal with other people is the best way you can, all while being honest with yourself. Allowing a magazine to find different ways of attempting to mail the same message every month in different envelopes serves to not only confuse, but to disallusion.

Even greater than that, I think the greatest problem comes in when dealing with the man you have your eyes on. If you are completely changing yourself and you habits based on a 2 page article in a magazine to get a man, what will happen when you get him? Do you stop what got you there, or do you keep the charade going? What happens when magazine advice conflicts with another mag? What do you do when you get yourself deep, and the man throws a curve not covered in the article?

I think the statistics and tests in these magazines do more harm than help. Yes, the magazines have a rich cultural history, and yes, the advice in the mags can be somewhat useful to open ur eyes, but again, moderation is key. Too many people look for a quick fix in these articles, and of course, those sand castles wash away. Bottom line, belief in yourself will outweigh multiple choice personality and compatibility tests.

-B


Mr. Heartbreak

November 18, 2009

I don’t wanna get over, I just wanna know

When is a good time to say “I’m sorry”?
Have you spoiled goodness beyond repair
Eating baked cakes before feeding yourself
Ruining your appetite for proper nourishment

How do you stop caring with a heart so large?
Where is the switch that activates apathy
To drop your concern at a moment’s notice

When does confidence cross over to arrogance?
When does belief in self go too far
Is it in the beholder’s eye, or a part of you
Does scaling back denote the sacrifice of self

What do you do when desire outweighs preparation?
Knowing what you want, but knowing you’re not ready
Is it a lie to allow your desires to live?

Why consider stopping when going feels so good?
The fire inside making you want to be more
Only to hear that you need to pump your brakes
How long can you “do you” at the expense of others
Caught in the grips of power and the future

How can you consider patience on a hot streak?
With all going well, suddenly told to stop cold
When the bulk of facts present, you wanna go
Are these healthy comments detractions or prophecies

How hard does one go to be “right”?
How far to go just to see the other side concede
Is being right worth it or diminishing returns
A monument to nothing but “you were right”
Does making others submit have a price tag

I’m not criticizing. I just wanna know.

-B