Cynthia Bailey knows a thing or two about high-profile relationships. She's been in a few, from the father of her only child, Leon, to ex-husband, Peter Thomas, to current husband, Mike HIll. And what's most impressive is she's always maintained genuine friendships with those exes who simply just didn't...work out.
But according to the model, that's to be expected because you have nothing to gain from tearing any of them down.
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In fact, in an interview with Rolling Out, when asked about reports of suing her ex-husband, Peter Thomas, Bailey candidly responded to those claims:
"I haven't spoken publicly about this, and I am not going to talk about it anymore. I've never been one to try to make anyone look bad after a breakup. I pride myself on having great relationships with all my exes. If we loved each other at one time, we shouldn't gain anything from tearing each other down after. The situation isn't about me suing my ex for money because I've always provided for myself. There was an agreement in place with a deadline and that deadline wasn't met, so it's being enforced."
Which made us think, is she right?
If you look at her relationship with actor, Leon, then it's clear that Ms. Bailey is living by her word. Though their romantic relationship came to an end forever ago, Cynthia Bailey and her ex Leon Robinson have maintained a close friendship over the years as they co-parent 20-year-old daughter, Noelle Robinson. So, it's no surprise that he has sent well wishes to her new relationships and they even manage to shout each other out from time to time on various social media channels.
One pic read:
"For 20 years @cynthiabailey10 has been the best #mother to our @noellerobinson while serving up the #bestface & #style at the same time. Please help me wish #cynthiabailey a #happymothersday w/much Love & Respect!! #familyalways"
Bailey often returns the love, promoting his projects and commending how good of a dad he is to Noelle.
"What can I say? We are so beyond blessed to have brought the most wonderful little human being into the world together. @noellerobinson is our God given divine creation that is the perfect combination of us. Will always be grateful to God that our worlds collided at the perfect time & the perfect place to create our perfectly 'imperfect' beautiful daughter."
Same goes for ex-husband, Peter Thomas. She wished him well, and was optimistic about their friendship, despite going through a very public divorce.
"I want to take some time for myself. I think the time apart has been good for him as well. It wasn't like I had to do it right this second but the more we got used to not being together and living together, the easier this divorce is going to be. ...I still love Peter. I still root for him. I want him to win. I still love and support him. We are just not going to be married anymore."
The couple was married for six years before they called it quits in 2016. Their divorce was finalized in 2017 and the pair remained amicable and she always expressed her hope to keep things friendly with her ex and for Peter to maintain a relationship with her daughter, Noelle.
Currently, Bailey is still in martial bliss with her husband, Mike Hill, who she met through mutual friend, Steve Harvey.
"Everything about this relationship is different because I'm different. Relationships affect us differently depending on where we are in life at the time. Mike and I both have been married before, and I believe we are both in a place to be ready to appreciate a relationship. We became best friends, and then COVID and quarantine gave us another opportunity to see where we were in the relationship. I don't believe I could ask for a better partner."
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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Eldest Daughter Syndrome had its viral moment online last year, and for good reason. The term gave language to the silent pressures so many eldest daughters tend to carry as a result of their birth order. Beyond that very needed conversation, birth order as a whole can offer insight into not only our traits and tendencies, but also how we show up in life, love, and even our work.
Below, we’re breaking down the traits most commonly associated with each birth order. Keep reading to learn what your birth order might say about you.
If you are the oldest...
Let's be real, being the firstborn often comes with a lot of responsibility. And it's usually not by choice. From early on, they’re the ones who set the tone, carry the weight, and take on the title of "the responsible one." Because of that, they often grow into reliable, high-achieving adults. But the pressure of being "the blueprint" and the one to "lead by example" can also be a heavy burden to bear.
Oldest child traits may look like:
- Natural leaders that take charge even when they didn’t mean to (read: she's bossy, but keeping it cute)
- High standards (for yourself and everyone else)
- Motivated, goal-oriented, and always chasing that next accomplishment
- Reliable and conscientious
- Perfectionist tendencies that can lead to burnout
- Struggles with being controlling or micromanaging
- Often cautious, craving stability over spontaneity
- Finds it hard to rest or ask for help
If you are the middle child...
Season 2 Netflix GIF by Gilmore Girls GiphyIn the grand scheme of the birth order lineup, the middle child can be the quiet MVPs. As the child who falls in the order "in-between," they’re used to being the one who keeps the peace while also fighting to stand out. But being the “in-between” can also mean feeling overlooked or forgotten. In some families, especially ones with toxic dynamics, the middle child may even take on the role of the "black sheep," while their siblings are seen as the golden children. Still, despite (or maybe because of) that, middle children tend to thrive socially and can read a room like the back of their hand.
Middle child traits may include:
- Top-tier peacemakers who can smooth over almost any situation
- Adaptable and easygoing (even when they’re lowkey screaming inside)
- Often feel overlooked or like they have to do the most to be seen
- People-pleasers who put everyone else first
- Social butterflies and community-minded, with strong friendships outside the family
- Can be rebellious when they feel boxed in
- Thrive when they’re allowed to define success on their own terms
- The ultimate go-between, translating vibes between generations, personalities, and moods
If you are the youngest...
Season 1 Ff GIF by FreeformGiphyThe baby of the family walks through life knowing how to charm, persuade, and perform. They often grow up with more freedom and fewer expectations, which fuels their adventurous and carefree side. But that same freedom can sometimes lead to entitlement, or a tendency to seek validation by being the "fun one."
Youngest child traits might include:
- Social butterflies who light up a room and don’t mind the spotlight
- Natural charmers, funny, flirtatious, and usually down for anything
- Can be a little self-centered or attention-seeking (but you still love them for it)
- Tend to keep things uncomplicated… unless they’re not getting their way
- Known to be manipulative when trying to get what they want
- Free-spirited and bold in their choices
- Often underestimated, but capable of big things when they focus
- Thrive in spaces that let them express, explore, and be a little extra
If you are the only child...
High School Drama GIF by HBO MaxGiphyOnly children can be the ultimate "one woman show" as they are often a mix of all the birth orders rolled into one. Without siblings, they learn to entertain themselves, advocate for their needs, and navigate adult conversations early. That independence can make them magnetic, mature, and deeply introspective, but it also comes with a deep craving for validation and control.
Only child traits can include:
- Mature and wise beyond their years, often viewed as old souls
- Conscientious and responsible, usually the go-to person in their circle
- Seek approval and validation more than they let on
- Natural leaders with big ideas and even bigger plans
- Can be sensitive and deeply affected by criticism
- Prefer structure, routines, and control (sometimes to a fault)
- Like things done their way (and don’t love compromising)
- Thrive in solitude but still want to feel seen and celebrated
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