Once upon a time, there was a prince named Delano Squires. He was the only single male writer for this site, BlackandMarriedwithKids.com. What made this prince so special was that he was truly a good person that had a passion and desire to see healthy relationships in the African American community and in his own personal life as well. And so, he studied, prayed, and prepared … [Read more...]
Search Results for: delano
What Makes a Man Husband Material?
According to Urban Dictionary, the term "wifey material" describes a woman who possesses certain qualities that would make her a model wife. I'm sure many men would describe this type of woman as a perfect mix of style, substance, sass, and love or at least respect for sports. Aside from that, men appreciate her kindness, supportiveness, and caring nature. She's the type of … [Read more...]
The 7 Types of Marriage Rings in Every Successful Relationship
I recently wrote an article about rubber wedding rings after seeing an NFL player wearing one on HBO's show Hard Knocks. Apparently, the company which sells the wedding rings somehow discovered my article, contacted me, and offered to send me some rings. A couple of weeks later a package arrived. When I opened the package I was surprised to see they hadn't sent a couple. … [Read more...]
Singles: 10 Simple Principles for Having Amazing Relationships in 2014
Successful relationships are built on solid foundations. If you are ready to put in the work that requires to love yourself and make grown-up decisions, then here are 10 Simple Principles for Having Amazing Relationships in 2014 from our BMWK Staff: 1. Be Happy and Loving on Purpose. Happiness is a learned way of life, shares Christian Counselor Keisha D. Hines in the … [Read more...]
What’s in Your Relationship Toolbox?
by Delano Squires I recently made the transition from single man to husband and have been thinking a lot about how my relationship with my wife has grown in the last year. I remember how chemistry and attraction helped fuel us in the early stages of our courtship. I also remember realizing at some point that chemistry alone was insufficient for our love to mature. Likewise, … [Read more...]
Is “Thinking Like A Man” Part Of The Solution Or The Problem?
by Delano Squires Theaters all across the country were packed last weekend for the release of Steve Harvey's new film "Think Like a Man." The movie, which was based on Harvey's book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, gave humorous insight into the contemporary dating scene and portrayed the book as the holy grail of relationship advice"”whoever had it held the power. The … [Read more...]
The Root 100: African Americans Who Shape and Influence Our Culture
by Delano Squires Pop quiz: what do the Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus and the founder of Black Girls Rock have in common? The answer is that both were included in The Root 100, a list of some of the country's most influential African Americans between the ages of 25 and 45. I recently had the honor of covering an awards reception for this year's … [Read more...]
Are You In An Insecure Relationship?
I've been writing for BMWK for about a year and a half but, ironically, every article I wrote was as a single man. My last relationship ended two years ago, so much of what I've written, and read, about relationships wasn't being applied in my day-to-day life. My relationship status has recently changed, however, and I'm learning more than ever that concepts that sound good in … [Read more...]
How Would You Respond to Infidelity?
The very first post I wrote for BMWK was on a topic, men and infidelity, that seems to always come up when people discuss relationships, and in recent weeks a number of high profile men have made headlines for their cheating ways. First, Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed that he had an affair with a member of his household staff that produced a son who is the same age as one of … [Read more...]
Do You See Your Relationship In The Movies You Watch?
by Delano Squires I got an email in April from a friend about an advanced screening of Jumping the Broom in Washington, D.C. that featured a Q&A session with mega-pastor, and co-producer, T.D. Jakes. I had class and wasn't able to attend so I took my mother and aunt to see the film over Mother's Day weekend instead. A few years ago I probably wouldn't have even paid … [Read more...]
Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last?
by Delano Squires One of my favorite movies about dating and relationships is Spike Lee's film She's Gotta Have It. It was released in 1986 but still offers useful commentary on a number of issues, including sexuality, honesty, monogamy, and our perceptions of acceptable gender roles. The movie follows the love life of the protagonist, Nola Darling, as she manages the … [Read more...]
How Do You Measure Success in Your Relationship?
by Delano Squires I recently heard a sermon at church that examined how people measure success in their personal lives. The first part of the message focused on some of the things our culture associates with success: material possessions, social status, power, fame, etc. These common markers of achievement were in stark contrast to the main point of the message: true success … [Read more...]
Faith of Our President… a Man, a Husband, a Leader
By Edward Lee I am still processing the depth of the remarks that the President of all of the citizens of the United States of America made this week at the National Prayer Breakfast. Whether one likes him politically or agrees with his public confession of "Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior" in his speech, there is a tremendous benefit to all when the leader's position is … [Read more...]
How Do You Evaluate Relationship Advice?
by Delano Squires A few people have asked me a question in recent months that I believe is worth addressing here today. Although articulated in different ways each time, it's the same question that I've heard countless women ask about Steve Harvey, given his new role as relationship guru: "Why should anyone listen to anything you have to say about love, dating, … [Read more...]
Is Your Dating Persona a Politician or a Flasher?
by Delano Squires Needless to say, President Obama has had a rough fall. In November, the Democrats suffered what he described as a "shellacking" in the midterm elections and last week he received stinging criticism from members of his own party over his willingness to compromise on one of his most significant campaign platforms: eliminating President Bush's tax cuts for the … [Read more...]