The Home Team

Ok, first I have to apologize for the lack of posting again. A combination of writer's block and life have made me the worst blogger in America. There. We're done. Moving on to today's post...

It's fall, baby, and that means boo up season is beginning. Summer has been fun, but it's time to whittle down to the final few who will make the cut into fall and the one who will keep you warm through winter. Yep, It's dating season. Of course B is here to make sure all your I's are dotted and T's are crossed. I've learned every woman should employ a group of men when she's dating. This group of men is called The Team. No, B isn't suggesting you cheat on your man-this is for when you're uncommitted. No, B isn't suggesting you sleep with your entire team-that's some heaux sh!t, but don't worry, you'll be satisfied in every way as every guy on your team provides a service. While extreme descriptions, the list remains. Here's who you should pick when it's time for the draft.

The Romantic. This is the guy who wines and dines you. He's probably the first seed, top spot, dude you're rooting for the hardest. He's the captain of your team. He will probably end up being your boyfriend. The Romantic is the one you go out with the most, curl up and watch a movie with on occasion, and kiss in public. When people say, "Are you seeing anyone?" You say his name lightly, knowing it could very well be heavy if all cards are played correctly.

Pro: All the aforementioned. Most likely to succeed as winter item.

Con: Make this selection with care...he'll be around for a minute.

The Maintenance Man. Ok, we all know his job. He's the plumber. If you don't get that, we've got other problems to tend to.

Pro: He, um, maintains you.

Con: See Jump off posts. Careful with this one!

The Thug. So, maybe not everyone needs a Thug, but B does;) We can also call him the bad boy. Every thug needs a lady and every lady needs that bad boy in her life. You let him post up on your couch, blunt in hand, loud Rick Ross playing on the stereo, while you braid his hair or something. It isn't going anywhere permanent, but it sure is fun. Oh, sometimes the thug can double as the Maintenance Man...actually, he should. #biased

Pro: Muscles and tats are your friends.

Con: Bad boys are called that for a reason. Try not to get attached, they break hearts.

The Gay. The Gay is the only character on the team who isn't used for romantic purposes. He's the one you go shopping with, the one you gossip with, the one you brunch with. He's the one who fills the girlfriend position so your dudes don't have to find themselves sitting on a couch in Bloomingdale's watching you try on endless little black dresses which all. look. the. same.

Pro: B loves the gays!

Con: B loves the gays!

The Intellect/Renaissance/Earthy Man. This is the guy you go to museums, art exhibits, Talib Kwali concerts, poetry readings with. Maybe he has dreads too and wears those nerdy glasses. You talk endlessly in coffee shops about the poverty rate in America and how you too can be a Vegan in three easy steps. The next date will include handcuffing yourselves to a tree he used to climb when he was 9.

Pro: IRE man helps you stay cultured and opens your eyes to different parts of life.

Con: You'll miss animal products, trust me.

The Baller. Few have this guy, but he's great if you got him. He's the dude who flies you out to meet him wherever he is. The guy who showers you with gifts, drives a dope ride, and wear tailored suits ala the men in Takers. The baller can range from some finance type with a big bank account to the athlete who adds you to the payroll.

Pro: The inside of a Mercedes SL500 is pretty nifty and you'll feel crazy awesome stepping out with a fine dude to boot.

Con: When you go back to slummin it, you'll miss it badly.

What about guys? Who's on your team?

That bitch stole my line,

xoxo

Blackie Collins

Intersexed

I'm a traditional girl.  I believe in male and female roles for the most part, but I also realize that in today's social climate, a lot of those roles have gone stale, they're played out.  However, my best friend asked me today if it was okay for a woman to propose to a man.  My immediate answer was no, absolutely not.  There are some traditions that should be kept intact.  While I have very realistic non-traditional feelings about getting married, I do believe that if it's going to go down, it needs to go down with the guy down on his knee.  Of course there are exceptions.  Maybe it's a couple that's been together for a while. You're happy, he's happy, all is well.  One day, you're talking and collectively decide to get hitched.  I'm totally okay with that.  But if he comes home one day, and you're on your knee in a circle of candles with a ring in your hand...um, no, not particularly a fan of that.

Men are known to be protectors, providers, professors (thanks, Mr. Harvey), while women hold down the nurturing, caring, and emotional aspects.  But is it okay to have a man that's more nurturing and sensitive?  Or perhaps a woman that makes more financially?  I think the answer to both is yes, but there's a fine line that cannot be crossed for if it is, the very essence of what makes a man, a man and a woman, a woman, is blurred and that's where trouble takes up residence.  Men need to feel like they wear the proverbial pants.  No argument from me there.  I won't argue that. I want him in them as well.  I want him to move me to the inside of the street or reach out and grab my hand when there are tons of men around (looking at me of course).  I want him to be my protector, but I want him to understand that I can also fend for myself.  In the same case, I know he needs me to cater to him in certain ways, while also wanting the chance to do the same for me.  It's about balance, obviously.  It's like you're on a seesaw together and while you give and take and go up and down, sometimes it's okay to just balance in the middle. 

That bitch stole my line,

xoxo

Blackie Collins