by Tara Pringle Jefferson
Say what you want about Beyonce, but the woman is a dynamo. While her acting chops might be a little suspect and folks debate her vocal talent, she’s made a few savvy relationship moves that young ladies today would do good to take note on. (Excuse me if this post is a bit dramatic ““ I’m probably B’s biggest fan.)
1. She had her own before the ring. Jay-Z is a mega-millionaire, regularly making top 100 lists for fortune and fame, often considered one of the top 5 MCs of all time. What is she bringing to the table? Oh, just 75 million records sold, seven Grammys, a slew of other awards and nominations and millions in endorsement deals. She brings her own level of success to the table. Lesson: Relationships tend to be easier when you’re on the same level, whether financially, intellectually, spiritually, or otherwise.
2. There was no rush. After hooking up some time in 2002, they waited six years before they walked down the aisle. Had the chance to see each other for who they really were, once the award shows and booth sessions were over for the day. Lesson: Take some time before committing. Not to say you have to wait six years before taking that next step, but knowing each other inside and out is key.
3. She kept “˜em guessing. Heck, we’re still not fully sure Jay-Z and Beyonce even got married. Anyone actually seen the marriage certificate? Are they really married? Keeping us guessing is their way of keeping us out of their business and keeping their faces off the cover of the tabloids. Lesson: Keep the most personal details to yourself. No one needs to know about all your disagreements. The only two people who need to know everything are the two people in the relationship.
4. She takes time to enjoy what they’ve built together. Every time you do get a glimpse of Jay-Z and Beyonce together, they’re chilling. Vacationing on a yacht. Shopping. Enjoying the fruits of their labor. Do they seem stressed? Nope. Lesson: Even if you’re not balling out of control like this power couple, make sure you take the time to sit back and smell the roses. You work hard every day to pay the bills and keep a roof over your head ““ make sure you actually enjoy what you work so hard to maintain.
Tara Pringle Jefferson is a freelance writer living in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Visit her blog, theyoungmommylife.com to read her musings on life, love and motherhood.
Awesome piece, Tara! Numbers 3 & 4 were my favorites!
It’s so important to watch who you allow to be in your space when it comes to relationships! Even their friends understood that speaking to the press was a no no. They made the whole fiasco surrounding the marriage even more mysterious!
And taking time to smell the roses away from the hustle and bustle of daily life…that’s so difficult for me. It’s like I’m always on the move, always I have to get something done, always trying to reach my goals, and at times I feel guilty for wanting to sit back and relax/enjoy myself. I feel like in a lot of respects we’re behind, and I shouldn’t want to have fun until we catch up and get our affairs back in order. This was definitely a wake up call for me.
Thanks, and once again, great piece!
I enjoyed this piece. Good job!
I loved “Anyone actually seen the marriage certificate?”
While Rene Elizondo and Janet kept their’s secret.
These two do seem genuine although at first early in the day I didn’t see it. I love Bey.
love this!!! These are great lessons. I do respect how Beyonce and Jay-Z have kept their relationship to themselves, it cuts down a lot of extra drama creeping in.
Great Post Tara and you make some excellent points. I like the way they have managed to keep their relationship private. #3 is very important…actually they all are.
Enjoyed this!!! Really good piece!
I am not a Bey or J fan but I can see how they are together. Opposites really do attract. Bey is a triple threat, she sings, dances her butt off and is a actress. I think I am more respectful of her husband. while on a road trip I read Oprah’s mag/interview, J kept it real and raw and I loved reading the article.
I appreciate honesty. Bey is funny and kind of a “air head” to me. Not mad at her they are the biggest hustlers in the game. Where can I sign up, they have Rih who can’t sing in a shower to save her life. On the way back from me and hubby’s road trip I drove home and he was sleeping and I was listening to the radio and hubby woke up and though I hit a cat. Nope he woke up to Rih on the radio. LOL.