Celebrating & Remembering Whitney Houston

The greatest diva of all would have turned 50 years old today. It has been a year and a half and not a day goes by that she isn't thought of and missed.

I can't sing...at all...so I'll express in the way that I know.

Aptly titled with the words she often proclaimed with warmth, "I Love You, Back!" is my tribute to and celebration of the icon and legend...WHITNEY HOUSTON.

Happy Birthday, Whitney! RIP.

Is A Man's Heart In His Pants?

"Topics from Social Media"' day continues...

I've long heard the old saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach; but, does that journey start in the stomach, above the stomach, or below the stomach? Then, in which direction do you work? Which bring me to today and my homegirl ... I happen to love her so much ... Jada Pinkett-Smith (yes, we are bffs...in some way and form...in my mind). I straighten my bangs to her -- she truly continues to amaze me with the questions she poses publicly and the issues she fights for and support. I just love how she pretty much just says her business is her business, her life is her life; get yours, behave within your realms, and be who you are.

Anyway, back to today... Ms. Jada posed two really good questions; initially, pretty much asking 'is a man's heart in his Oscar-Meyer-Schlong-Dong' and then followed it up with this:

""Is great sex the only need, or primary need, for a man to have a good relationship with his partner?"

I love that she used "partner," because it adds another layer of potential discussion if you consider a relationship between two men .... and if both of their hearts are in the same location or different. 

As she noted in her Facebook post, it's a debate among she and her girlfriends and she's asking people to simply comment "YES" or "NO." That's nice and all, but I want to know your REAL thoughts; I mean, start out with the 'yes' or 'no,' but then give me the real juice...tell me why. GIVE IT ME! Drag your friends into the conversation (share buttons below), too, let's all talk. Bring men! I have an idea of what women will say, but I want to hear what the gentlemen have to say, as well.

Jada used with her post, as well. I have a feeling it's how many view the placement of the (romantic) hearts in women and men. Ooooh...that just made me think of a similar question about gay relationships. Hmmmm....!

Flirting While In A Relationship. Cheating?

Today is a "topics from social media" day; there are a few interesting questions surrounding dating and relationships that are floating around the networks and they offer some great discussion opportunities.

One was a tweet by Juan San Roman:

If you're in a relationship, flirting is cheating.
— Juan San Roman (@_JuanSanRoman) June 7, 2013

Some think cheating is only when visible activity (you know...sex) is involved; some way it's emotional. What is your take on this: within the boundaries of a relationship, is flirting innocent and allowable or is it cheating?

Comment below on how you feel and share this post with your friends to get their take.

Also, about to share with you a question from Jada Pinkett-Smith involving a man, his penis, and a relationship. Be sure to check it out...it's a good one.

Hooking Up

Yes. That.

Within the past week alone, it's been the topic of discussion...in a different way than normal; "newsworthy." Yes, I said it...like it's the new hotness. I've read an article's popular on the social media circuit and people are on national television shows discussing it and asking for viewer's thoughts. 

A word to the left behind: Hooking up is not new. Where have y'all been?  Am I missing something or are media notables of the heterosexual community just catching on or feeling comfortable enough to talk about it?

It's old; real old. It's a nuisance. It's been here for so damn long, I believe it's one of the main f***ing (no pun intended) reasons dating and relationships have gone by the wayside. Mass quantity, no responsibility, profit/gain. As the saying goes, "why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?".

It's bad; real bad. I'm all about change and evolution, but dating and relationships seem to be on the verge of extinction; at least, as they are traditionally known and what's taking its place doesn't even resemble a relationship --- it's like a suit without any lining. Hooking up has been around for so long and has become so popular, it's become the main and first point of conversation of catch-ups amongst friends [let me tell you about my latest victim...I mean conquest...trophy....Let me tell you about whom I did what with], people are doing research studies on it, and it's become a culture: Hookup Culture. That must be like having a mind of its own.

It's not newsworthy. Point blank, period. How do we save society and have people form more interpersonal relationships of substance with each other (not necessarily physical or romantic), as in let's spend some time together and not disrespect or act like we don't know each other once we part ways...THAT is newsworthy. Hell, finding people who still believe in dating and getting to know each other will make a great news story; they are rare. If you can find someone who inquires of your name before trying to kiss you...they should be the next social media or reality tv star.

The Big Picture: See More Than What You Expect

Don't become too focused on searching for one, particular thing; you could be overlooking something of greater substance, value, and joy.  The little, unexpected surprises can be life changing and of monumental fulfillment.

It's amazing what we don't see because we're too busy looking for something specific. Joy, happiness, and beauty come in more forms than what's envisioned.

Be alert.

Pay attention.

See the ENTIRE picture.

This applies to those "searching for someone" situations, as well.

I Will Always Love You: A Love Letter

Everyone knows how much I love me some Whitney Houston and pretty much everyone love's her rendition of "I Will Always Love You." Dolly Parton did a wonderful job with the lyrics -- they are simple, to the point, and honest. It's an amazing song, but it's like the ultimate love letter.

Picture it:

Dear [insert name here]

"If I should stay, I would only be in your way. So, I'll go, but I know I'll think of you every step of the way.... I will always love you."

[your name here]

Ok, a break-up letter; but, still...talk about powerful, great impact, and effective.

#speechless

Valentine's Day: Love The One You Are

February 14th.

Yep. "That" day of the year.

Some love it. Some dread it.

Don't get wrapped up in it --- the commercialism of Valentine's Day; it's not the sole day of the year where your significant other should express their love for you and vice versa --- that should be shown and expressed daily...and not strictly in forms of gifts. Love transcends many forms and ranges, yet is all-encompassing. You know, "actions speak louder than words," but together...it's a powerful message with a clear and precise meaning: Love is!

If you don't have a significant other, Valentine's Day is, also, not the day to mope around, complain, and feel depressed about not being romantically connected with someone. In both instances, Valentine's Day IS another day to acknowledge and celebrate the love you have for yourself.  It should be the first love, the most fulfilling love, the foundation for love. It is the greatest love. Before you love the one you're with (or want to be with), love the one you are.

Loving yourself leads to higher self-esteem, self-worth, self-appreciation, a better understanding of self, and the knowledge of knowing what to expect in terms of love from others.

If you love who you are, others will love you for who you are. You're loving you, they're loving you...that's a lot of love. Good love.

Be you.
Embrace you.
Hug you.
LOVE YOU.