Question of the Week: “I’m 23 and I’ve Never Dated!”

Question of the Week: “I’m 23 and I’ve Never Dated!”

“I want to start dating, not get married!
I’ve been a good girl, I think I deserve to have a little fun. Sadly, I wouldn’t
know how to flirt my way out of a paper bag.”

Gosh. I LOVE getting notes like this, because it gives us all a chance to throw her some diamonds of wisdom.

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Author : Christelyn Karazin

Author's Website | Articles from

Hello Ms. Christelyn,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you had an AMAZING Thanksgiving!

First off, I have to say that I am grateful for your blog! When I first realized
that I wanted to start dating and dating interracially, your blog was the first to
pop up under google;) Kudos!!!

Second, I need your advice. I’m going to try to make this a short as possible.

Classic story: I am a BW. Raised by a single mother and grew up with a negative
image of my biological father. He was never really present and when he was he was
abusive to my family. My mother tried to force his presence in my life for the sake
of some type of father figure, but I didn’t know him and did not want to.

My mother worked her hard, so that I could attend private, Christian schools in the
South, which were predominately white. My preference for white males came from that
experience, but they were never attracted to me. I assumed this was because of the
racist environment. I was dubbed the whitest black girl in the world in high
school. Black boys just knew not to ask me out, because I only liked white boys.
Around my white counterparts, I was still black though. But at home I was seen as
too white. The way I talked, walked, “acted”, my mother’s family constantly mocked
me for it. In fact, the first time I was called the n word was by my own cousin.

I left at 16 to attend college up north, which was a different experience. Boys
asked me out, mainly black men, which I did not accept. Due to obvious daddy issues
and simply because I was just not attracted to them. My family calls me racist for
that to this day. The first white boy that “liked” me, played me and tried to pit
me against one of my best friends at the time. He failed in that attempt and we never
dated or anything, thank God. But it still hurt. I left upstate NY and transferred to NYU, which
changed my life completely.

My mom was remarried to a black man. The first real father figure in my life (and
I was 19 yrs). He provided for me, but was emotionally unavailable. We had our
connection, mainly centered on laughing at my mother freaking out over things in her
crazy southern belle way. I never knew until he passed away two years later, how
much I still wanted and needed a father. Still, I’m grateful that I had him as a
stepfather. Someone who wanted to provide for his family, but I feel his only want
was to be a husband. But now, I look to God for that spiritual and fatherly love.

The first white guy I ever had feelings for at NYU was Jewish and beautiful. Girl,
I would stare at his lips in class all the time and he knew it. We’d talk in class
all the time and flirt a little, but I did not seriously think he was interested.
When I look back I knew he liked me, but I was too afraid to open up in fear of
rejection. My one regret.

Now, I’ve graduated, living in NYC, job-hunting, which gives me plenty of time to
reflect on my life. I’ve never felt beautiful enough to date outside my race,
especially white men. Never felt comfortable in my own skin. Coming to NYC changed
me in showing me I was wrong about beauty. I’ve grown to love men of all colors,
even the “brothas”. But I’ll still say to this day I love my Robin Thickes, Tom
Wellings, and Taylor Kitschs. I love white chocolate and I can’t help myself.

Although it has its standard, I see in the community that so many shapes, sizes, and
colors are considered beautiful, even me;) My problem is I don’t know how to
channel that. Every guy at my church my age, until recently, assumed I was 16 or
17. I don’t know why, maybe because I’m short and shy. I don’t know. There aren’t
really any available men at my church and I don’t know really of any places to go
(that save money…on the job hunt still). I want to start dating, not get married!
I’ve been a good girl, I think I deserve to have a little fun. Sadly, I wouldn’t
know how to flirt my way out of a paper bag. I’m still body conscious, but I work
it with my newfound confidence. But where do I go from here?

Was that too long? I’m really sorry, I tried to make it as short as possible with
two decades of pent up frustration;) Help!

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Mocha Z 1791 pts

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=HLskOqj2H44

ForestElfQueen 2112 pts

Mocha Z awww, they're super cute!!<3

Mocha Z 1791 pts

I know she is British....I just like her and just thought about how much I like their interaction and wanted to share. I thought it was funny when she went into "American" talk when she said he put a ring on it and he called it that because ultimately they are both British first.

This comment has been deleted
ann4950 309 pts

Remember to practice your smile. Think femininity. Your smile will literally open doors.

SurlySammy 138 pts

ann4950

And be sure to lay off the "I gots bigger booty and fatter ta tas cuzz I'm a black woman n dats all ah needs & white girl ain't got no shape" baloney. That's something that's sure-fire to help botch up your point of view and sabotage the critical thinking dept. in hooking that Tyrone Powers or Paul Newman-like dreamboat.

ann4950 309 pts

LOL, "Tyrone Powers"? How old are you?

SurlySammy 138 pts

ann4950

Well I definitely at all wouldn't be as old as him if he was still amongst the living (and the merely alive but dead waiting to be buried).

ForestElfQueen 2112 pts

Great advice here! All I can add is to be friendly to everyone who seems receptive and sane...male and female. You really never know how you'll meet the one(s). Several times in school my friends and acquaintances introduced me to guys that were or became interested. I found that socializing in groups takes a lot of pressure away and then more chats (you run into to the guy somewhere else later etc.) & dates can evolve from those casual fun meetings. It can also be kinda random like once a cafe owner wanted me to meet one of her friends. I was minding my business having lunch with my mom, the place was empty except for us so we were chatting w/the woman the whole time. From that i guess she thought of a matchmaking attempt. LOLZ so you really never know.

Also being blanketly pleasant (generally friendly) w/ everyone makes the guys you're really attracted to less of a big deal, IME.

When your nerves get steelier you can try online dating. I had quite a few coffee dates/interviews via personal ads(the ye olde version of online matching) LOL(& this was before the 'net so sometimes I had a photo to go by, sometimes not) in college. I'm glad I tried it.

MyCherie 21 pts

Whoa. This kinda describes me exactly. I'm now twenty and haven't dated. It's easy to say its because I'm focused on school (being premed AND employed as an RA) but HONESTLY, if I wanted a relationship bad enough, I should be able to find a way to have it. The problem is I could use a relationship right now LOL. I just can't figure out if the problem is not having time, or something deeper, like a fear of rejection or low self esteem. I shouldn't have low self esteem though, I've been told how pretty I am all my life. But it's a whole 'nother ball game when, I myself, chalk interracial dating up to be something more than it is. I'm psyching myself out, wondering if white guys find me attractive. I don't care his race though, I just want a good guy. Sigh.

Christelyn 3210 pts moderator

MyCherie (love that Stevie song) First off, the most gorgeous of them all have low self-esteem. Part of esteem comes from what you DO, not who you ARE. Get it? You're in an enviable place--you're at the height of your youth, around a smorgasbord of premed deliciousness, so make you you get out of the books and mingle a bit. DO NOT be single minded my dear. MyCherie

ann4950 309 pts

MyCherie

Date or Mingle very Carefully. Don't forgot your education is your ticket to a better life. I went to school with a premed student who became pregnant. I do not know if she completed her studies or not. Nothing side tracks your education faster than being a young single Mom. I wrote previously about my co-worker's daughter who received her Masters degree this past Spring and this fall gave birth. She met this "club owner" from another state and she allowed herself to be wooed by him. She became pregnant and now she is a single Mom. The BUM has yet to come and visit his child and no the BUM did not did give one dollar in child support.

This comment has been deleted
ann4950 309 pts

MyCherie

This young woman is smart, kind, beautiful and fit. But, she wasted her choice of men on a BUM. Her Mother is educated but, she is one of those "nothing but a brother" types. I hope the Mother is happy with her daughter's choice of men. When I used talk with the Mother about irr she was not receptive to the idea and has tried to change my thoughts on the subject. HAHAHA, that will not happen anytime soon. My co-worker is middle aged and still looks great. She has been married twice to bm. However, she says she has given up on men. This is a woman who could get herself a swirl of a guy if she wanted. Oh, well her lost.

Nickhiesa 36 pts

im in a similar situation so i can relate i would say to you seek ye first...... and well you should know the rest

NYCLisa 76 pts

come to brooklyn, girl. you'll have those emo and hipster white boys waiting in line just to talk to you.

lol.

get out there and bite off a big piece of life! it tastes great!

Jay from Philly 665 pts

If I was 10-15 years younger and single I'd ask this girl out in a heartbeat. She seems really cute and sweet, friendly, outgoing any sane guy wouldn't waste a second in getting her number. But the reality is I'm 40, married, and don't want to mess it up, so I guess I'll have to live vicariously through the advice given to her here.

cns 115 pts

Hello all,

Alianna I like your suggestions on esp. the co-ed sports teams. You might put Pattie Stanger(Millionaire Matchmaker) out of business. LOL

JazzFest 44 pts

cns Lol at the Pattie Stranger comment.

I've watched the show and sometimes it's funny but other times she seems over the top (e.g rude, etc) but I guess that's television

Renee Mimms 77 pts

I can definitely relate to this! I wasn't allowed to date in high school until I was 16 and the guy had to be Christian on top of that, so I basically gave up because none of the guys that I knew that fit my mom's criteria didn't seem to be interested. I didn't go out on a real date until I was in college. I'm not really dating right now because I'm kinda disinterested right now and I'm broke (but I'm working to change that) which puts a damper on things. The only advice I can think of is what Evia would probably say: date casually and vet each guy carefully. Have fun with it. Many of the ladies (and gents too) here give excellent advice, so make the most of it.

Bunny77 1024 pts

Question... what does you being broke have to do with you not dating? Renee Mimms

Renee Mimms 77 pts

I feel embarrassed because I don't have much money right now. I live in a depressed area and there aren't that many things to do around here. I go out on occasion but not very often. Bunny77

Bunny77 1024 pts

Well, the reason I asked because if you're being asked out on a date, you should not be paying. Folks can say what they want, but a woman's financial status (particularly if she's a younger woman, and I assume you are) is typically irrelevant to a man's desire to date her. Plus, there are free and cheap things that one can do as well.

If you don't feel emotionally ready to date, that's one thing... but don't take yourself out of the dating pool for reasons that have nothing to do with your ability to accept dates.

Renee Mimms

eugeniamitchell 3484 pts

Bunny77 Renee Mimms I'll say this again I was unemployed when I met my now husband he was not concerned about me being unemployed and on unemployment at the time. My thought has always been a good man wants to take care of his woman. It would be one thing if you never had or never intend on working but your trying and most guys are just impressed w/ you being productive even if you're not employed. I got a part time job a little after we got together and I'm still working that same part time job. Like Bunny said if ur not ready to date don't date but don't worry about being unemployed b/c yes the man is supposed to pay and plan.

Renee Mimms 77 pts

Bunny77

I see what you are saying. Last date I went on, the guy paid for everything. Guess I'm just getting bored and a little frustrated with dating, so I've kinda taken a step back.

Renee Mimms 77 pts

eugeniamitchellBunny77Renee

Yeah, I'm definitely out there trying to support myself. Most people that I come across tend to be interested and fairly supportive when I tell them what I'm up to (finished a book, working getting it published). I think once I've finished my project, I may get back into it.

SurlySammy 138 pts

Renee Mimms

Ok let me chip in my two-cents worth here. Now speaking a dude. Ok, sweetheart when I read the "I'm broke" bit as part of the (to me improbable) reason why you're not out there having a ball, I thought, "Now, you got to be kidding me!?" Our culture still by and large expects the gent to pick up the tab - all of it. All you need is a nice size and shape and a pretty face & head of hair to top it off along with decent hygiene at least fair-to-middling manners. K? Hell, If you play your cards right, you'll not have the dude paying for your ham sandwich, fries and coke but also your rent, car note, and a mink coat! BROKE?!, GET OUT OF HERE!!!. What I'm simply letting you in on is an element of fact of life about men, due of their endless sex drive.

SurlySammy 138 pts

Renee Mimms

Got it?! Many many women exploit it with their feminine sexuality games to get what they want. (Oh holy Mother of St. Peter the stories I can tell you, Sigh!) I knew of a woman who got a well-dress business gent to buy her all kinds of accessories and creature comforts- makeup, perfume, stockings, etc. on ever date! (And to begin with this sista didn't even have enough on her to pay the parking meter!) AND to the guy's chagrin (after so many outings), she still didn't put out! SUCKER!!! Look, play it smart (as your principles dictate) & you need not worry at all 'bout your piggy bank being ab initio busted.

Joyce345 910 pts

SurlySammyRenee Mimms Haha! Back in my country a lot of guys pay ALL their girlfriends bills. My sister married her husband recently, but he used to pay all her bills AND gave her a car to drive. She works as an executive at a multinational company by the way so she was not needy or anything.

Men also pay for the wedding plus they pay bride price to her parents.

ann4950 309 pts

Joyce345SurlySammyRenee Mimms

This is good when the man and woman knows their positions in the relationship.

ann4950 309 pts

Many of us young bw were advised not to take money or gifts from men because the men would feel they deserved some sexual favor in return. LOL, maybe that advice should have been re-worded somehow.

ann4950 309 pts

I understand what you are saying. But, not every woman is as slick as the one you described. LOL, I know for a fact I was not...I wish. I agree with you if a woman is desirable then most men will pay just to be in her company.

Joyce345 910 pts

ann4950 There is nothing wrong with accepting gifts. But I would never allow a guy I was dating to pay my bills. If the man is paying your bills then he either expects to have a sexual relationship with you or if not, he expects that you two will get married. For my sister's fiancee, paying all her bills was a way of 'locking her down' making sure that she won't end the relationship and choose to marry someone else.

So yes, he will expect a return on his investment.

Renee Mimms 77 pts

SurlySammy lol, I get what you're saying.

Alianna 10 pts

Okay, here's my 2 cents.

First, does he not know how to drive, or does he just not own a car to drive? There is a difference.

If he doesn't know how to drive and you do, then he (depending on the guy) may feel somewhat intimidated/inferior to you because you can drive and he can't. Mens egos are fragile, especially starting out ...

If he doesn't own a car and you do ... he may feel you are more successful than him and he's older ... then his ego may get in the way again

I'd play it by ear ... see how the date goes ...let your intuition lead you.

Tinkerballa 11 pts

Alianna Hey! Thanks for responding. He does know how to drive but just doesn't have a car because he works in the city and you don't really need a car in NYC. I live in an outer borough so I drive and would drive to meet him for our date.

Tinkerballa 11 pts

Since you ladies give out such great advice, I was hoping I could sneak a question in. I live in NYC and I am about to accept a date with a guy who is successful, older than me by 5 years (32) and doesn't drive a car. I drive and am wondering should I drop him home after our date? It feels like it would be a masculine thing to do but I would feel bad about him getting on the train after taking me out on a date when I could easily drop him home! ADVICE PLEASE

Bunny77 1024 pts

I understand the no car in NYC thing, but I wouldn't drop him off. If he asked you out on a date and he doesn't drive, then he knows he has to figure out how to get home. Also, if he is successful, I'm sure that paying for a cab or car service isn't difficult.

He asked you out, he's older, he knows what he's doing. You just focus on getting yourself to the date and getting home after that. He's a big boy... he can figure out how he'll get himself home.

Tinkerballa

Tinkerballa 11 pts

Bunny77 Lol. Thanks Bunny :) He lives like literally 10 minutes away from me (but doesn't know it) and I can just imagine him walking me to my car and feeling bad already. Ugh, the peculiarities of dating

Tinkerballa 11 pts

Bunny77 With that said, I think I shall be heeding your advice

Bunny77 1024 pts

Great! I do understand how you feel, and I know you just want to do what you feel is the right thing. But you're smart in internally recognizing that there are certain things that a man needs to do for himself... I assume that he asked you out on the date (I hope that's the case) and since he lives a lifestyle in which he gets around without a car, then that means he's likely accustomed to dating without a car... so if he asked you out and picked the date spot (or agreed to your pick), he inherently understood that this would involve him having to figure out his transportation arrangements.

Anyway, have fun, be yourself, talk, listen and just enjoy! No stress, just fun! And let us know how it went!

Tinkerballa

Olivia 68 pts

Bunny77Tinkerballa Definitely. Jeez, the guy is 32 years old and lives in NYC. He knows how to get somewhere in the city without a car. I live in NYC; we all know how to get somewhere without a car. If it comes up in a casual way, you can offer him a ride home. If not, I'm certain he can get back to his apartment without getting lost or eaten by wolves.

Soul_Incites 242 pts

Wow, this thread took a weird turn. Aaaaaanyway...

I can completely relate to the original poster, as a late bloomer myself. Kudos for all the great advice in the thread!

Alianna 10 pts

Sorry, for so many posting ... this new format is confusing and won't let me make one post.

Toni_M 4842 pts

Alianna Don't worry, you actually shared some rather useful tips. :) So I guess it was worth it, lol.

Alianna 10 pts

2. Join your university alumni association and attend some of the events. So that you don’t feel strange and out of place, volunteer to help with the functions. That way, you want feel out of place w/o something to do, since you’re shy. If you can, offer to be a greeter or the person who checks in everyone; something that allows you to see/meet all that comes in and you can see who comes w/o a date/friend too.
3. Join the interracial online websites. DO NOT put you are open to all ethnicities. Put you are interested in White, Latino, and Asians, etc. … believe me if you do, the Black men will still come after you too … even more so because now they feel challenged.
4. If you are athletic join a co-ed tennis, soccer, or soft ball... (The costs are usually pretty reasonable). Even if you’re not, join with the intent to learn. Men love to teach women sports. I would really recommend soccer. If you have access to an in-door soccer facility, definitely join a house co-ed team. You will have plenty of opportunity to mix with men there and it is in a non-threatening environment. Most of the women there are just learning soccer, too. And as bonus, it’s a great way to keep in shape and build up your confidence. When/if the team or individuals suggest going get something to eat/drink after the game go … just have your own transportation/way home. I don’t know about going if you’re the only woman and it’s just the men … use common sense on that one

Alianna 10 pts

Join your university alumni association and attend some of the events. So that you don’t feel strange and out of place, volunteer to help with the functions. That way, you want feel out of place w/o something to do, since you’re shy. If you can, offer to be a greeter or the person who checks in everyone; something that allows you to see/meet all that comes in and you can see who comes w/o a date/friend too.

Join the interracial online websites. DO NOT put you are open to all ethnicities. Put you are interested in White, Latino, and Asians, etc. … believe me if you do, the Black men will still come after you too … even more so because now they feel challenged.

Alianna 10 pts

Volunteer at something like Habitat for American; where you are building homes/fixing home for the elderly or needed. You will meet men there.

Don’t laugh, but this is so true … Go to the Auto Parts Store after work or on a Saturday and ask for help for anything … you will not only have the guys who work there bending over to help you … every man who walks into the store while you there will ask if you’re okay and need some help … “True story!!!”

23 is just the right time to start looking and exploring your options. Have fun … shy can be seen as an asset … A smile and “thank you,” are the only flirts you ever really need to get the attention of most men …

Hope this helps …

Alianna 10 pts

Join or at least attend a large predominately white community church and join its Single Group. Attend the events they sponsor – Alone, without other girlfriends.

Brenda55 4388 pts

"PM to Eugenia. Now I see what you meant about Ora. LOL"

OK I just saw the food fight that broke out about this comment I posted.

First I want to apologize to Chris and to everyone here. I now realize that is was bad form to post a PM on this blog to one person.

To Guest1234. This had nothing to do with you. Eugenia told the truth. My post was about a character name Ora that appears in a book I am writing. Eugenia was kind enough to read and review the part of the chapter this character appears in and gave me some pointers on how to improve said character. I am not an underhanded person and quite frankly liked your comments and do agree with much of what you are saying. I wish to extend my sincere apology to you that my attempt to take a short cut and not PM Eugenia directly via e-mail upset you. I do pride myself with being woman enough to say what I have to say to a person directly and take the lumps for it when deserved.

I hope that you will continue your participation here. Just reading your few posts I feel that your viewpoint is valuable and that all voices so long as they are not trollish and abusive are welcome as far as I am concerned.

I hope that we can move on from this. The message and this community is far bigger and far more important than any one person and I been chastened that a bit of laziness on my part has caused this to happen. Again I apologize to you all.

eugeniamitchell 3484 pts

Brenda55 That's it that's all y'all. But when ppl start calling me names well you're better than me b/c my willingness to understand them goes out the window. Our guest could have asked for clarification and all this could have avoided but with what he said, the jump to conclusion has made a mountain out of a molehill.

Brenda55 4388 pts

eugeniamitchell

That's what I like about you Eugenia. You let people have it with the bark on. I respect that. That is why I had you review what I wrote. Your honest. A a lot of things could have happened differently. I am willing to own my part. This is communication without facial expression and voice so things do get lost in transmission. You are right asking for clarification and not jumping to conclusions would have been helpful. However not setting up the situation would have been more so. I just learned again to be careful what I post and where I post it.