by Eric Payne Earlier this year I took the family to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It was opening night/family night at the Fox Theatre here in Atlanta and the place was packed. A record 4,200 were in attendance not only to see the first performance of a 4-day run here, but also to witness history in the making --- 50 years of Revelations (the show's finale) … [Read more...]
Why Men Don’t Fear
by Eric Payne A few months ago I was sitting in church, not totally paying attention, when I softly spoke the following assertion out loud to no one in particular: "I'm no longer afraid." Now the interesting thing about this quiet self-confession was that I didn't know I was afraid of anything other than werewolves, Dracula, devil movies, hyenas, anyone with a gun pointed … [Read more...]
Chivalry Ain’t Dead
by Eric Payne from the series AP Manhood Anyone who reads me here and on my blog MakesMeWannaHoller.com knows I fight for the rights of the fellas, especially when discussing the "for better or worse" nuances of marriage. Why? Because I bring my A-game to the relationship table and expect to be met halfway. I did so as a single man and I do so now as a husband and a … [Read more...]
Book Review: Do The Work
by Eric Payne Is there a story you have to tell? Do you sometimes lay awake at night thinking about a business you know with certainty that you could run? Is there a script you want to write? Do you have a movie you feel the people need to see? Are you compelled by "destiny" to lose weight and create a "new you"? But then by morning it's all the stuff of dreams and delusions … [Read more...]
When He Steps Up
by Eric Payne Several months ago on this site there were a number of articles that discussed the nuances and the problems that arise in marriages/relationships when the woman leads and is the major decision-maker. However,what happens if and when the dynamic changes, whether it be by circumstance --- the loss of a job, the birth of a child, or something similar --- or … [Read more...]
[Movie Review] Hop
by Eric Payne If you are able to sit through your typical story arc of the good son turned loose cannon (in this case, bunny) who's ultimate fate is redemption, the son who never realized his potential until right now, and a talking live-action bunny that poops jelly beans then you've got the chops for Hop, the new movie from the producers who brought us Despicable Me. I … [Read more...]
Who Are You When You Argue?
by Eric Payne Arguments are an inevitable reality of the human experience. Even more once you start living the married life. In an argument with your spouse which person are you: The spouse that doesn't pay your spouse any mind because he or she is either 1) wrong; or 2) being emotional. The spouse that is always right. You dismiss/ignore whatever it is your spouse is … [Read more...]
Let’s Talk About Sex With The Kids
by Eric Payne Not long ago I had the opportunity to speak to a former coworker of mine named Andrew. He is a dynamic individual who in his spare time conducts workshops for young teens, ages 11-19, about financial literacy, male and female etiquette, leadership styles and skills, and HIV/AIDS Awareness. He's an individual who in his own words came from nothing, … [Read more...]
The Man God Would Have Me Be: My Testimony
by Eric Payne It's rare that I testify. I usually save spiritual matters for conversations with close friends and family. But I have a testimony that I am compelled to share. Every morning I wake up, no matter how tired, happy and blessed to be a father. There is no greater responsibility than to be in the position to care for and influence the ways of a couple of little … [Read more...]
Marriage Personified: My Weekend With The Tylers
by Eric Payne During my recent 4-day weekend at Disney World for Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence magazine, I was blessed with an unexpected treat. I got to work alongside Lamar and Ronnie Tyler, the founders of this site. We and several other bloggers were members of the New Media press corps invited to cover the event. Prior to the weekend, Lamar … [Read more...]
The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of
by Eric Payne In our society mediocrity has become the norm. In this economy, hopeless-speak is just what we do. We want more and more; better for our kids yet they listen to us gripe all day long. Many of us get on our knees and pray to a God we cannot see, but won't even make eye-contact with let alone give a penny to, a homeless person stationed on the sidewalk in front … [Read more...]
What A Woman Wants Doesn’t Matter
by Eric Payne Near the end of 2010 I launched the guest blogger series, What A Single Woman Wants, as an opportunity to share with us, the married set, what people on the front lines of romance are seeking. I also wanted it to be a reminder to men who might be in a stagnant place in their relationships of what led the women in their lives to them in the first place. The … [Read more...]
On Why He (or She) Doesn't Listen
by Eric Payne As married people, there's only one thing we do more than breathe while living under the same roof. We talk or otherwise, communicate --- for better or worse. From the moment we open our eyes to the time that we close them we are actively engaged in making sure that the people with whom we share our lives and need to interact with understand us. Whether … [Read more...]
Wrapped Around Her Finger
by Eric Payne I don't exactly enjoy the pressure that comes with Valentine's Day. The reason: I try to live my life around the principles of love, for better or worse. Admittedly many times for I do it for the worse because by no means have I perfected my craft. But I go into each day with a loving, "Valentine's Day" attitude. So when it comes to February the 14th I feel … [Read more...]
10 Things Wrong With You – In Your Marriage
by Eric Payne In December of 2010 I wrote the post "Why Can't We Just Get Along". It was an open letter to all. A lamentation over the friction that exists between the sexes and within marriages. Hopefully those who were impacted by it were able to contemplate areas that they need to address. But it should not remain a mere contemplation. What Got You Here Won't Get You … [Read more...]