I cannot recall how I first heard of Demetria L. Lucas. I didn't know her real name at that moment. She was just "A Belle in Brooklyn." She is a relationship expert, a blogger, journalist, an author and now a reality tv star on Bravo's "Blood, Sweat, and Heels." I've been following her for some time now on Twitter. She gives great advice via her ask.fm page and she tweets interesting things daily. I feel like I know her and I like her. I've been wanting to read her debut novel "A Belle in Brooklyn: The Go-to Girl For Advice on Living Your Best Single Life" for some time now. But, I have an enormous to be read list and stack. But, I was in the library last weekend and couldn't pass it up. I dived right into. From the opening paragraph, it was everything I wanted it to be and more. I could not put it down. I needed to know more about these men and the dating scene in New York. I finished it in a day and a half.
I kinda live tweeted some of my favorite parts of the book. This book is one woman's dating journey. I love Lucas' take on men and dating. I love the way she paints the pictures. I felt like I knew all of the characters in her book. Her voice and tone are very distinct. I love an author that makes me feel like I am right in the center of their literary world. Lucas does this effortlessly. The setting of her book is mostly New York with trips to DC and L.A. The men are different and varied. She dispenses real life advice for single women about men and dating. I learned a lot from reading this book. There was one paragraph that hit me like a ton of bricks. I've included it below. It was like a ton of bricks fell on my head. I was deeply invested in her dating tales, especially those involving Greg. "A Belle in Brooklyn" was an easy, fun read. I loved it. Lucas will be releasing her second book, "Don't Waste Your Pretty:The Go-to Guide for Making Smarter Decisions in Life & Love" this year. I cannot wait to read it.
We've all heard the saying "age ain't nothing but a number" but is it? Do you agree with that? When it comes to dating (assuming everyone is of legal age), does age really matter?? It is an age old question. My answer has changed drastically since I was 16. I preferred guys my age in high school. That was the norm.. I wasn't into older guys until college. I've realized that age isn't as important as maturity level. That is the determining factor.
I have dated younger (twice), my age (most of the time) and older (a few times). What I have realized is age really doesn't matter. Younger guys can be more mature than guys my age. Older guys can be much more immature than they should be. I know its been said that women mature faster than men. I think that is a case by case situation as well. Maturity never presents itself in the same way. I prefer to be able to have conversations with a man on a myriad of topics. A mature man who is fully aware of the world around him makes me smile.
Many factors should be considered when it comes to dating. The attraction comes first. During the initial conversations, other factors will be fleshed out. Age comes up as well as occupation and kids. All of the pieces matter. I think the answer to the age old question depends on the person. I'm totally opposed to dating younger. Older seems to suit me much better. I think its because I am an old soul. You're only as old or young as you feel. I know what works for me and what I prefer. What about you guys? Weigh in!
Here's the scenario. An engaged man has an open and active page on a popular dating website. He's been in a relationship with the woman for over 5 years . They also have a kid. They are recently engaged. Oh and this man makes no mention of his child on this site either. You know the couple involved. Do you tell the fiancee what you know? Also, is this behavior appropriate?
In my opinion, the behavior is highly suspect. I would not approve of my spouse being on a dating website. I would wonder why he feels the need to still have one. It would seem as though he has something to hide. It's creepy and pervy to have this alternative life going on. If this man loves me enough to ask me to marry him, I would think he would not need anyone else. If we are engaged, then he should not be fishing for dates on a website. Who does that?
This topic was brought up in a group I'm in. The reaction was mixed. But, there was a strong divide between the men and the women on the subject. It just shows me that men and women perceive things differently. All the men saw nothing particularly wrong with it. But, they were not having it if it was their fiancee on the site. Women were categorically against it. We were all up in arms about the seediness of it. It just rubbed me the wrong way. What do you guys think? Let's discuss.
