if you like it i love it...for real.
a few thoughts on letting people live + reads & vibes for your weekend.
¡Happy Cinco de Mayo! This is your friendly reminder that Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day… but for some, it is holiday time!
It’s a classic… I know. Let’s jump right in.
thoughts at large.
A question that I constantly find myself asking is - why are you worried about what they are doing? It’s easy to find yourself deep in somebody else’s business in 2023, because we have a culture of oversharing. I know more about people’s baby daddies than I would like to - just from scrolling Facebook. It gets even worse when we think about celebrities though. This phenomenon has a name - parasocial relationships - meaning you have a false sense of closeness to celebrities and public figures due to your perceived proximity to them via social media.
This week, Caresha “Young Miami” Brownlee (one half of the rap group The City Girls) and Sean “P. Diddy, Love” Combs (Entertainment Mogul) are at the center of many online conversations. These two are dating (their words) and have elected not to put any other title on their situation. That hasn’t stopped the court of public opinion from weighing in, though. A faction has decided that Caresha is playing herself by being with a man that won’t “claim” her, while others believe that Diddy is acting as her sponsor, exposing her to a world that she would not have access to were it not for him. I’m more inclined to align with the latter. I mean he took her to the Met Gala and introduced her to Dapper Dan this week. That wasn’t happening without his co-sign, at least not this fast. So, if she likes it, I love it, for real.
You've probably heard the saying, "To each their own." It's a phrase that highlights the importance of respecting people's decisions and choices, especially when it comes to life choices that are subjective. But why is it so crucial to follow this mantra?
Simply put: what works for one person may not work for another. This is particularly true when it comes to major life decisions like career paths, relationships, and even lifestyle choices. For example, you may have a friend who thrives in a fast-paced, high-stress job, while you might prefer a more laid-back, creative work environment. The differences matter.
Respecting people's choices also means recognizing that they have their own unique set of circumstances and experiences that influence their decisions. It's easy to judge someone's choices without knowing the full story. Perhaps your cousin decided to drop out of college, and you think that was a mistake. But maybe they had a compelling reason, like a family emergency or a passion project that required their full attention. Regardless - it is their decision to make.
It's also worth noting that everyone has different priorities and values. For one person, financial security might be the top priority, while for another, personal fulfillment is more important. This means that people may make choices that seem unusual or even irrational to others, but make perfect sense within their own value system.
When we respect people's decisions and choices, we create a culture of empathy and understanding. We acknowledge that everyone is different and that there is no "one size fits all" approach to life. This can help reduce conflict and encourage cooperation, as people feel more comfortable expressing their unique perspectives and ideas.
Of course, this doesn't mean that we have to agree with everyone's choices. We can still offer our opinions and feedback, as long as we do so in a respectful and constructive way. It's also essential to recognize when a decision is genuinely harmful or dangerous to someone, in which case we may need to step in and offer support or advice.
The main takeaway: respecting people's decisions and choices is an essential part of creating a respectful society. By recognizing that everyone is unique and has their own circumstances, values, and priorities, we can cultivate empathy and understanding and promote cooperation and peace. So, the next time you encounter someone whose choices or decisions seem strange or unexpected, remember: to each their own.
need you to know.
Clarence Thomas Had a Child in Private School. Harlan Crow Paid the Tuition. via ProPublica
No Arrest in New York Subway Chokehold Death, and Many Want to Know Why via NYT
TV Writers are on Strike. But what does that actually mean? via The New Yorker
Jury finds Ed Sheeran did not infringe on the copyright of ‘Let’s Get It On’. via CNN
reads & vibes.
Why There May Never Be a Gen-Z Glossier or Warby Parker (a story about the slow growth approach new beauty & fashion start-ups are taking in the industry)
Wall Street's Mellody Hobson Has An Ingenious Idea To Narrow The Wealth Gap:
Woody McClain sat down with PopSugar to discuss his role as Cane on Power Book II: Ghost, and the best advice he ever got from Jamie Foxx. BTW, Power Book II is getting really good. If you’re not watching this season… you need to catch up ASAP
The best-dressed stars from the 2023 Met Gala (note: my favorite male look was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Thome Brown, and my favorite lady was Halle Bailey in Gucci)
If you are a Bridgerton fan like me - know that a prequel focused on the early life of Queen Charlotte is now available on Netflix. I’ll be diving in at some point this weekend!
Coco Jones dropped a video for her song “Double Back” - and I love when a video tells a story. Check it out:
Brian Courtney Wilson is the guest this week on The Terrell Show. Watch with caution… you might get laid out.
That’s all I have for you this week friend. Enjoy your weekend - I hope you can enjoy a margarita on someone’s patio… if that’s what you’d like to do. Remember, if you like it, I love it…for real.
