Question of the Week: “Dates with God” and Love in Potato Land

Question of the Week: “Dates with God” and Love in Potato Land

“Dates with God??”

Is that what we’re telling single black women to do now?

Author : Christelyn Karazin

Author's Website | Articles from

Hello. I love your blog! It is so wonderful. Informative, sweet, and honest! I currently live in Boise Idaho. I am nice black lady 31 years of age. I want to date! I am soo scared. In my 20s I met some guys who were either weird intense, or would just vanish. Here the majority is vanilla, white in Boise. I was hanging out with an acquaintance yesterday and a group of men walked by. They all looked at her. She is vanilla also. I just believe the majority of white men will not be interested in me.

I am attracted to white men. I am told by lots of people that I am a beautiful girl. She is 49, the acquaintance yesterday, and still the men all looked at her, and when they would talk would give all their attention to her. Should I move maybe? Boise just have not caught the swirl yet, if ever? My cousin in the Seattle area says that white men are scared of black women. I so do not want to believe that! I so would like to be on a  path where I could have a boyfriend, at least get some dates. I just really get not attention here. Friend told me to focus going on dates with God. I want dates with cute humans also! Any advice is you could spare the time? Thank you. :)

*record scratches to a halt*

“Dates with God??”

Is that what we’re telling single black women to do now?

How does that look, exactly? Does one dress up for that?

Is lingerie involved?

That’s has got to be the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard in relationship to black women and religion. It’s like some folks want black women to live like nuns until Tyrone or Ray-Ray has his “Come to Jesus” moment because he’s beginning to get laughed at by the girls in the club. Listen chica, you’re not going to find Mr. Right in church, mostly because single men don’t much go to church unless they’re trolling for dates. And have you been to a black church lately and saw how the single women far outnumber the men? Like shooting fish in a barrel while roosting in a hen house.  You might want to take a read of Deborrah Cooper’s new book, “The Black Church: Where Women Pray and Men Prey.”

I’m not saying that you should give up on your faith, but having a date with The Almighty sounds creepy as hell.

As for swirling in Idaho, I’d say the pickings are probably a bit slim for black women in Potato Land. But your friend in Seattle may have a point–white guys tend to be a bit, uh…more tentative in their approach to black women. We’ve talked about this issue at length both in “Swirling” and on the blog. Here’s an oldie but goodie:

Now as far as your white friend getting more attention than you –that’s a bit tricky. Lots of variables might be going on here. Tell you what: Next time you got out with this lady, observe how she interacts socially with the opposite sex. Is she flirty? Does she dress to impress? Does she lock eyes on her target like a pit bull on a butt cheek? Eye-contact, or a lack thereof, greatly influences whether or not a guy feels like he has the green light to make a move.

If I were you, I’d also do an internal check of what thoughts are going through your mind when men approach the two of you. For instance, do you automatically defer to your white, female friend simply because you assume that because she is white, she’s somehow a superior catch even as she approaches the half-century mark? You’re 31 and she’s 49. Unless she looks like Rachel Welsh, no way can you tell me that most men in your age group are going for the white woman who’s old enough to be your mother. I’m not buying it.

Ladies?

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EarthJeff 3260 pts

"Eye-contact, or a lack thereof, greatly influences whether or not a guy feels like he has the green light to make a move."

 

I would submit that eye-contact TOTALLY influences whether or not a guy feel like he has the green light to make a move.  At least it does for me....

valeriesmith15 136 pts

 geneaj When you get married, you can visit your family as Mrs However, because no-one can talk you out of anything.  Any ideas, you can email me at valeriesmith15@hotmail.com.

valeriesmith15 136 pts

@geneaj.unfortunately some family members are wilderness.  I am speaking from experience as my familiy members are. People who are wilderness, you have to get away from them. Fast, if possible try to break off contact with them and have support people who celebrate you and your dreams.  Wilderness family and friends will keep you in the wilderness, in the valley and you can never reach to the mountain.

 

Also have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, he was guide you in all things. Have a idea of the type of man you want, where you want to live. Dress nice and start going to nice clubs, restaurants etc, loose weight if you need to.  Read Esther and Ruth.  I love church just like any other Christian, but you cannot spend all your life in chyrch.  God put us in the fields to slay dragons and giants and bring back the earth for the glory of God. Invest yourself sow into ministries which celebrate marriage, dreams etc.  The church is full of "Praise the Lord" people and nothing is manifesting in their lives, STAY AWAY FROM THEM AT ALL COSTS. THESE PEOPLE ARE DREAM KILLERS OR DREAM SNASHERS.  

 

God bless you and I wish you every success in your life.

Beantowner 14 pts

I agree with Christelyn's answer. There can be so many different variables happening when you are out trying to mix & mingle. I know personally that I tend to withdraw and be less social when I'm with outspoken or "limelight" stealing girls. I just don't compete with them. Or if I feel (aka assume) that there's no one interested. But that's all self-sabotage. Definitely try to be attentive to how you are acting & feeling the next time you go out.

 

As for Idaho: all I can say is don't give up on the swirl no matter where you live. As a Bostonian I definitely feel like guys are less active/aggressive/interested when I compare Mass to my native Florida. But that doesn't mean there aren't any guys interested in the entire state. I think some states are more open to mixing things up based on the cultures and attitudes that are there. But that doesn't mean there aren't guys who are interested. They just may be a little shy/unsure/hesitant to make a move. 

 

But there are guys interested in swirling, even in Idaho. I'm actually going to visit a friend from college this weekend to see if there's some chemistry between us. And he's from Idaho! Yes, we met in college in Florida and he now lives in Cali. But I knew back in 2003 that his Boise self was interested and liked to swirl. And a decade later we're both ready to rekindle what we started. So don't give up on those Potato boys! As my dad would say " just because the fish aren't biting, doesn't mean some aren't interested. Maybe you're just using the wrong bait."

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reem11 1127 pts

@Kia The :( was a sad face not frowny at all Kia. Since I can not see "ariahead" face to face this is my way of showing compassion, understanding (I believe I know what she is trying to say) I do not know her personal experiences. You just never know what is going on in ones life. Also you made valid points and I did not dislike your comments.

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reem11 1127 pts

@Kia I would like to respond but don't understand?

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Maxine 1005 pts

 Kia Ugh.  The youtube comments section is where brain cells go to die.  

 

I'm glad Jordan set the DBR straight on terminology.  DBR bm refer to bw as "feeemales" when they want to other us and take away our individual, human characteristics.  Like wildlife biologists going on safari to record species behavior.  What was he trying to accomplish?  In one breath he says it's daunting then the next he says he doesn't care.   He was just trying to discourage bw readers who are interested in IR dating, or maybe even prevent Jordan from dating a bw.  What's unbelievable is that so many DBR men try to be in cahoots with wm.  They're embarrassed by the state of the black community (as they should be) and it's too painful to face both racism from non-blacks and the fact that they've failed their community as men, so they deflect to the women.  I can't count how many of these DBR black men on youtube have said 'white men won't like ya'll because...' and then go on to list something considered normal in other communities (like being a stepfather or offering financial support) or a bw stereotype that usually only applies to NBAB type women.  They think their warped values are the average wm's values.  Obviously not, or else the white community would be as wrecked as the black one.  It's an internalized racism where they seek validation from wm by distancing themselves from bw (and an attempt to regain their masculinity by seeking approval from the most powerful males on the planet), at the same time desperately clinging to bw by poisoning wm against us. 

 

 

 

Christelyn 8739 pts moderator

 Maxine  Kia Trust me, Jordan and I have had a lot of conversations about this, and believe me, those troll comments do make US look bad. Smart, STRONG men are much more discerning than that. Jordon just recently sent me a text that he's dating a Haitian girl, so...THERE!! ahahaha

HarlemGirl 216 pts

Dates with GOD?? the next step is to MARRY GOD that is what NUNS  do. Are black women being set up to join convents or something?

JQAbroad 334 pts

 HarlemGirl Gurl that's been happening. I remember one time in church a woman was leaving the church to go another. As they were saying goodbye to her, they were saying "you may be single now...but for now God is your husband". I remember perking up my heading going....huh??? Even Eve had Adam what in the world!

GG123 362 pts

 Bunny77

 Thank you sooo much!

eugeniaberg 7245 pts moderator

Whew! I wake up & all heck has broken loose. My advice is the same if @geneaj has issues of self esteem coming from an emotionally abusive family it seems work on those. God has gifted someone w/ the ability to help you w/ those, use it. Therapy is a blessing. Get those worked out then move into the dating arena, think about moving if you'd like. You know you may not be as shy as you think, the emotional abuse just may have made you unsure of yourself. You like all of us have something to offer this world & the right mate. This is not a debate about religion or dating or God those are side things to eye off what really needs to be done. This is also not about ppl who are sitting around 'waiting to be offended' gosh ppl can be self-serving sometimes. Genea you want a different life, sweetheart you're going to have to start making different choices. That's how it happens. Hey you're free to talk to me on my blog all you, I swear I won't make it about me.

GG123 362 pts

 eugeniaberg   geneaj

 Thank you. Doing therapy currenlty. A bit frustrating because feel my current therapist sides with my family. Like you think they are wrong and you are right. It is not that. Just want to re teach myself some tools to be happy to have a positive lovely life! I see how the women in my family and the cousin are very un happy but can seem to connect it is a lack of esteem in themselves that brought them there and they are on the only ones that can truly change that. I do not want to repeat that for my life. 31 years of sad and confustion is enough for me I think!! So I seek tools. Wish it was easier for me! Thanks.

grrlysquirrel75 1121 pts

 geneaj  eugeniaberg  Baby girl, if your therapist is not providing you with the type of help you need, get thee to another therapist. They're not supposed to take sides. They are supposed to help you explore and find solutions for the things that are troubling you, or that you want to improve.

GG123 362 pts

 grrlysquirrel75  eugeniaberg

 Thank you. I shall. Want tools lol!

The Working Home Keeper 6592 pts

 grrlysquirrel75  geneaj  eugeniaberg Agree - time for a new therapist!  Unfortunately sometimes with therapists, their own biases can influence their advice.  Like the play therapist that suggested our son's anxiety was because he was biracial o_O

grrlysquirrel75 1121 pts

 The Working Home Keeper geneaj eugeniaberg  Please tell me you gave that therapist the hard "Are you out yo' damn mind" look.

The Working Home Keeper 6592 pts

 grrlysquirrel75  geneaj  eugeniaberg LOL!  Yes, I did!  And then I explained to her all the reasons why that was the dumbest thing I had ever heard. 

grrlysquirrel75 1121 pts

 The Working Home Keeper  geneaj  eugeniaberg  I know that patented look I learned from my mama would've come across my face.

eugeniaberg 7245 pts moderator

@geneaj if you don't like your therapist get another one, now it can't be 'whoa is me' but it also can't be blaming you for other ppl's issues. They're supposed to be giving you tools to help you. Tell you what w/ my therapist we talked ver py briefly about my past b/c he wanted to deal w/ what he had in front of him today. I find it refreshing. Here's a great book I'm reading I'm going to vlogging/blogging about it called 'The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion' by Christopher K. Germer. You might want to speak up about your feelings to your therapist, I'm sorry I stopped being a passive patient long ago. This is your life & your mental health, you can take control.

eugeniaberg 7245 pts moderator

@geneaj Don't worry it will become easier just wait & see. You're taking the right steps that's all you can do. One day at a time.

GG123 362 pts

 eugeniaberg   geneaj

 Thanks. I didn't give the therapist are you crazy look. But I sure felt angry inside.

eugeniaberg 7245 pts moderator

@geneaj You need to say something, you're paying them. I don't leave my therapist office mad, I leave relieved w/ some tools to help me in my life.

tonyrog 119 pts

 eugeniaberg   geneaj Mr banks says in his book there are more NBM wanting to date or marry BW  than there are BW lookig. You have the pick of the litter.

reem11 1127 pts

Even in dating all of us have a free will given by God himself to live according to his plan. Just because of human error, teachings "Dates with God" (never heard this one before), false doctrines, should we exclude God (Jesus) from our relationships? Surely not if we are willing to please him. If a women or man chooses not to date and give their lives solely to God (Christ) this is their decision on the other hand if a woman or man chooses to date and include God this too is their decision and are all good decisions based on the bible. As for me I included both, which helped me in making better choices in a quality mate.

MixedUpInVegas 1650 pts

 reem11

 I'm a Christian, too.  Women in my faith who devote themselves to God are called "nuns."  They are the Brides of Christ. 

eugeniaberg 7245 pts moderator

@MixedUpInVegas @reem11 Exactly no one is telling Genea to exclude God, where are ppl getting this? But she can have a relationship w/ God & a relationship w/ a man at the same time. It's possible. It's obvious this woman wants to date, she'd like to find someone to date let her date. Geez.

MixedUpInVegas 1650 pts

I'd like to comment on an experience I had last week as it relates to Jordan's video above.  I went to my hairdresser (a white male) for a haircut, and somehow, the issue of dating black women came up.  He told me it was something he'd never pursued because even black men will tell you that if you have a serious disagreement with your  black girlfriend, she will make a scene at your job, trash your car and blow up your phone at all hours with ranting texts and phonecalls.  I asked him why he would believe that to be true and he said, "well, who would know better than a black guy about black women?"  I turned around in his chair and looked at him in surprise and he said, "oh, well, uh, present company excepted, of course."

 

I couldn't really be too mad at him for his statements.  For one thing, he's been cutting my hair for over 15 years and I like the way he does it.  For another, it just shows how far out of their way black men will go to malign black women and poison the well for us.  It also shows how pervasive unflattering stereotypes about black women are.  And it tells me why otherwise nice white guys simply avoid what they expect to be trouble by marking black women off their list of prospects.

Lejusdecoco 206 pts

 MixedUpInVegas  wooowwwwwwwwwww.

The other issue I don't  understand is why would Other Brothers(terms used by Dee Dee R. on FB) believe those stereotypes?  Unbelievable

MixedUpInVegas 1650 pts

 Lejusdecoco

 I've known my hairdresser for a long time, and his family as well.  He isn't racist; it is more a matter of not knowing any different.   He believes what he has been told on good authority (from black men) in the absence of evidence to the contrary.  There are so many examples of ratchet black women on TV, hell, even  standing in line at the grocery store!  Without a reason to dig deeper, one believes what one observes with one's own eyes.

 

The world is full of women.  I guess he figures it is easier to stick with women who carry less baggage and fewer complications.

Christelyn 8739 pts moderator

 MixedUpInVegas

"well, who would know better than a black guy about black women?"

 

That is SO FOUL. Five minutes on You Tube and you'll find legions of black-woman haters "poisoning the well."

dasdbobb 1380 pts

 Christelyn

 Kinda leaves a bad taste in your mouth.........don't it.

Karla 18226 pts

 MixedUpInVegas It is unfortunate that some WM think that BM can speak for us.  Thank goodness, many don't even bother to ask BM, my husband included.  He said it would never have occurred to him to do that.

EarthJeff 3260 pts

 Karla "It is unfortunate that some WM think that BM can speak for us.  Thank goodness, many don't even bother to ask BM, my husband included.  He said it would never have occurred to him to do that."

 

It would never occur to me.  What WOULD occur to me is to find a welcoming online community of black women, contribute some to become part of the community, and then ask THEM.  Oh, wait....  I did that already and have gotten more fabulous advice than I can even process....

Karla 18226 pts

 EarthJeff Thank you!  I think there are more WM who would do this than those who would ask BM.  I've done an informal survey and all have said they would go to the source.  Duh!  It's certainly more logical.

HarlemGirl 216 pts

 MixedUpInVegas Black women will trash your car and such? blow up your phone with ranting calls?? Is it just black women? Last time I checked jilted women of all races are capable of that neurotic behavior. That guy is horribly misinformed (as we know) Jasmine Sullivan's  "Bust the windows out your car" is a popular song but lets not forget Carrie Underwood's  song "Before he Cheats" the lyrics detail  tires were slashed, headlights busted, the car was keyed and the interior shredded!I do not know why black men trash black women like that. When white men talk about their women they talk about  their crazy ex as an individual they do not demonize white women in general.

EarthJeff 3260 pts

 HarlemGirl And who can forget Fatal Attraction?  Seems like Lorena Bobbitt was a white woman too.... Just sayin',,,,

SirLoinDeBeef 2496 pts

 MixedUpInVegas Something similar at my (former) workplace, when I first met Brenda - her BM co-worker didn't like me, or the fact that I was 'seeing' her.

One day, he slouches/shuffles up to me, and (not looking at me ... never making eye contact .. eyes off to the side), tries to tell me how WM are treated by BW - car trashing, tire slashing, tempers, shrieking, bad-mouthing to administration, etc.

Talked to me in dialect, with plenty of MoFo's, sh*ts & dam*s - mumbled to the point I had to ask him to repeat himself - finished off with vague threats, 'comin' from the brotha's.'

Then, later, he tried to poison me to Brenda, right after, several times.

Didn't work ... he may have been murdered, later ... drug deal gone bad.

Bunny77 2054 pts

 SirLoinDeBeef  MixedUpInVegas WOW!!! Are you serious? Such hate... how utterly ridiculous. Guess Brenda was just supposed to be alone for the rest of her life huh... can't let a BW be happy.

Brenda55 19415 pts moderator

 Bunny77 Yeah I remember that guy. The joke was that he was much younger than I was so why would I listen to him about who I dated?

 

He was married and attempting to cheat on his wife with my boss. That was the reason he was hangong out in the office I was working in at the time.  She was not interested since he was also into some shady stuff.  

 

He did not like Keith one little bit and attempted to poison the well. We both knew a fool when we saw one and ignored his foolishness. 

 

 

reem11 1127 pts

@MixedUpInVegas The white male hairdresser had you for an example wouldn't you think? Regardless of what negatives he was told by bm he should have known better. Believe we have said this before that wm who align themselves with bm seem to sometimes think like bm. If this is true then I am not at all surprised by the white hairdressers comment. Wm who are interested in bw should find out for themselves. At least figure out that these bm are cock blocking like any man who try to keep male and female apart for whatever reason.

dani-BBW 1784 pts

LMAO!!!!! I’ve heard this before in Christian circles, to date God (I think Julie Ferwerda mentioned doing something like this after a divorce) but I’ve never heard it with the intention of shunning normal relationships. It’s usually said to say, right now, since you are alone, you have a bit more time to focus on your relationship with God so why not use it. Pack a picnic lunch and go to a park and pray to/talk with Him... But not to the extreme of packing two portions and laying everything out…LOL. Going on “dates” (i.e. making time for God) is certainly NOT mutually exclusive with continuing to meet and date men. What bizarre advice to give someone as a substitute for dating.

 

cns 699 pts

So what was the question again? LOL. After re-reading this post, I have come to the conclusion that is lovely lady might need a new set of acquaintances. One tells her she’s beautiful, but steels her thunder whenever men are around. Another tells her that the WM in Seattle are afraid of BM and another tells her to date God. It looks like to okey doke to me. None of this people in her life IMO want to see this BW in a relationship at all. I have had similar experiences.  It sounds like to me that she may be awkward around men which can be a turn off.  I hate to sound mean but if men are not approaching you it may be something that is turning them off. I have seen plain looking women get plenty of attention from men. The common denominator, they are very feminine, super friendly, have great (but not skinny) bodies and the dress very well. These things attract men. I hope that this didn’t come off as harsh.

Toni_M 18805 pts moderator

 cns You're just being honest and trying to help.

 

...I think we were all thrown for a loop by the "Dating God" part of the letter. O.O

GG123 362 pts

 cns

 Hello from Potato land! Thank you are ohnest and correct. My cousin a BM in Seattle told me WM are scared of me. The aquaintance that told me to go on dates with God, and not focus on humans was WM, he has said before we are friends, but currently putting him down as an aquaintance lol. I am shy. Was told by mother who is biracial that WM just want to use BW as a thing to try. I am very thankful to have discovered these BWE blogs. It is a healing for me! My grandmother who is WW also for whatever reason tries to constantly tell  me how hopeless dating these days is for me, and that a WM would not want to be seen in public with me. Alot of this has been family, and sadly some "friends" too, but I am working on changing, so I can have a great guy someday.

Bunny77 2054 pts

 geneaj  cns Wow, I can't believe your family members would say some of these things about WM and BW! I mean, maybe waaaaaay back in the day all that went down, but seriously, talk about sabotage!

 

Well keep coming back to this board and other BWE blogs. We're rooting for you here and will support you every step of the way.

GG123 362 pts

 Bunny77  cns

 Thank you! I have to limit my conservations because it becomes so depressing with the family being told this. Basically: "you are screwed because you are a black woman" is their message. I have certain family members that are still scratching their heads how at 31, I did not manage to have multiple kids by multiple fathers.  Very low expectations for me growing up! I would love to get married someday. Just reading and learning to vet correctly!! Thankful, so thankful for these supportive blogs for blackwomen. I have always believed deep down (Sometimes soo deep I would forget lol.) a person could create a nice reality for themselves.