Book Review: "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man"

So I was interested about what a man's perspective of a healthy and worthwile relationship would be, so I decided to pick up Steve Harvey's new book. I have mixed reviews about the novel, some of which I totally agree, and other points that I think are absurd. The first concept in the book that came simplest to me was that, Men don't love like Women do. Any woman who has been in a relationship will let you know first hand that this statement is true. Men don't always do all the cutesy and sympathetic things that come natural to women, Harvey says men are more simple and don't need much to be happy. Provide, Profess,and Protect are the three things Harvey describes as the characteristics a man must show you in order to let you know if he really loves you are not. Does he profess and give you the title of girlfriend in public? Does he provide and spend some of his hard earned check on you? Does he protect and hold his own in a situation where somebody has disrespected you? Harvey goes on to tell the three things a man needs, Support, Loyalty, and the Cookie (sex). These things I recognized since I hear them so often come up in relationships. Yet, Harvey's male ego seemed to over power the book somewhat, as he tells his ideas on supporting your man through showering him with self boosting compliments, adoring him. Yea that's good and all, but relationships are 50-50, just because he is a "man" doesn't mean you should lay naked in his glory. Being a woman means being strong and ocassionaly rolling with punches, but dont let your desire to be loved turn into a need to be loved. Stay true to who you are and the perfect man will appreciate you for just that.

Fashion Don't: "The Patchwork Quilt"

This trend of patchwork clothing and accessories is getting out of hand. The over sized plaid shirt, with a cute belt around the waist, and maybe a pair of fashionable boots can do. Yet, tons of girls have taken this rugged trend to a whole new level by wearing plaid dresses, that are way too short, and come in all the different colors of the rainbow imaginable. News Flash: these dresses look cheap and childish. In this era less is more, try letting your natural beauty shine by toning it down a little huh?

"I think I'm the shit"...is that your It- Factor?

So of course we are at that age as young females where image seems to be like number one on our "things to do" list. Yet, it seems to me that many females are trying to make a name for themselves, and are going about it the wrong way. Chicks are getting tattoos with names, wearing mini dresses to class, and selling their bodies to men for nothing. Where do we draw the line between being a happenin female icon versus a modern day flousey. What you look like, and what you have on your back is not gonna land you your dream job. Even if you have this unbelievable talent, being successful requires hard work and focus. Nobody is gonna hand you anything in life, especially in a society were there is always gonna be someone who can possibly do your job better than you. Recently as I started applying for internships in my field, I realized first hand the competition in the industry. Your talents that make you special are just that ..."qualities", but was else? To be truly successful you have to step out of the box and be your own person. Lots of girls can say they are cute...but that's not gonna always pay your bills in a respectable way. Find your It-Factor *

Try This: Bangle Bracelets

I have an obsession with bracelets now, and the chunky ones with prints are really hot right now. Consider this when you start your summer shopping : )

"That's how you like it huh?"

I have come to realize that no matter how independent and self sufficient you might claim to be as a woman, you still want to be catered to. How can you get a man to send you flowers, buy you gifts and tell you he is in love? Ha, after 3 years of being in a relationship I think I have finally got my hands on things : ) For anyone to treat you like a queen you have to act like one, and no that doesn't mean be a bitch. Men admire women who have their own goals, minds, and money. Even after years of being with a guy you still want to keep it fresh, not letting him think that you are supposed to be at his beck and call forever. Most of us are still young, and even if you are in love, you still have to have an independent mind set to maintain a healthy relationship. A woman must be able to breath alone before she can say she is ready to fully commit to a man, (ie.) marriage. In a relationship its OK to do sweet things for your guy...but never think that shit is set in stone just because you are putting forth effort. People change like seasons, so stay focused on making yourself a number one priority first. If you stay on the right track on an individual level, then everything else while fall into place simultaneously. Yet, love is a beautiful thing, and even in loving yourself...it always great to love him too.