Serious Comedy

Comedian Steve Harvey's book ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A MAN shot to the top of the best seller list and found it's way into my hands a short time later. The subtitle on the cover says, "WHAT MEN REALLY THINK ABOUT LOVE, RELATIONSHIPS, AND COMMITMENT." How could a girl pass up a tell-all like that?

Typically, I don't read. But it took me all of three days to get through all 232 pages of Steve Harvey wisdom. Some will say it's just more of the same, more of the "He's Just Not That Into You" craze that keeps bubbling up around the country. But I disagree. If you are a single woman who cannot figure out WHY you are single, this is a great read that is filled with truth and advice. In fact, that is the fundamental difference between the two afore-mentioned books. Women who keep chasing after men who have rejected them should read "He's Just Not That Into You." Women who are amazing, independent, together females should read Steve Harvey's book.

For years, I have said, "I don't need a man in my life. But I want a man." And being a modern, independent woman who sets herself apart from all the damsels in distress out there, I thought I was making not only a profound statement but also a statement that men longed to hear. Part of that has grown out of dating men who had a lot of money and whose previous relationships involved women who sponged off of them. I did not want to be that woman. Another part of it grew out of the constant training to become the woman I am today.

I've always known than men are designed to care for their women but Steve Harvey's book was a reminder. It made me take a long hard look at how I have been presenting myself and the image I have portrayed. When I sat back and thought about it for a while, I remembered what I always wanted as a child.

I want to be a wife. And I want to be a mom. And I want a man that can provide for his family. Just like the family I grew up in... Not only do I want it but, I need it.

Sexting, Texting & Other Disturbing Dating Trends

News reports say that sexting, or the act of sending a text message that contains sexual content, is the latest in disturbing trends among teenagers. However, I would challenge the media to take a longer look at the practice. Adults are engaging in sexting just as often, if not more, than today's kids. In fact, I would count sexting among a number of disturbing trends I uncovered while actively participating in the dating world over the last six months.

Did I personally receive sex messages? Yes. Many times. Text messages and emails were sent to me containing pictures, videos and sexually explicit invitations. Initially, I didn't know how to respond. I was in shock for a moment before I was a little hurt and then angry. What kind of girl does a guy have to think you are before he sends you a dirty message?

Text messages in general have become such an accepted method of communication that I actually think it inhibits the dating process and not just when the messages are of a sexual nature. I am very comfortable with texting. Too comfortable maybe because I often find myself choosing to type out a message rather than make a phone call. So much is lost in translation when a conversation lacks tonality and rhythm and volume. Twice I had dates cancel on my via text message. TWICE. So now it's acceptable for guys to cancel without calling?

Sexting and texting are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the lack of etiquette in this system that dating has become. All the rules from my twenties are null and void. The "3 dates before sex" rule apparently doesn't exist any more. Either does the "meet in a public place for the first date" rule. "The guy pays" rule is totally out the window too. For the last six months, I have felt like I've been living on another planet. I'm an alien in the new dating world.

I am a big fan of fashion trends and car trend and travel trends. But dating trends? Most of them, I can live without.