Dating in 2021. For some it can be a dumpster fire. For others, it can be...nice.
Personally, ya girl is off the market, and—thank God—not having to juggle the chaos of swiping left or right. But for those who are out there still seeking Boaz, the horror stories I've heard, seen, and read about, can range from “just not working out," all the way to plain ole creepy.
And sometimes...this shit is just entertaining AF.
Case in point, Twitter user, Janae Music, sent the internet up (cause it’s stuck) when she tweeted the following:
To translate, she went on a date with a guy, but saw her 'favorite guy' while out on that date. But instead of him blowing up her spot or ending the courtship, in the mature move of the century, he instead decided to take her out the next day (because he knows what he wants, mostly—don't let that go over your head fellas).
And once everyone began reacting, she defended her situation by saying that she's not exclusive with either and that she's only been dating them for a short period of time. Soooooo, basically, sis said she can do what she wants!
As she should.
Giphy"Exclusively dating" is a topic of conversation that's been circling the waters like a great white for the past few years, mostly once women discovered that we too can date around and see what situations work in the best interest of ourselves. It's newly applauded, and damnit, what took so long?!
Of course, men like to cry and pout at the idea of us doing what they have done for centuries (because, ego), buttttt ladies, it's real out here!
Why should we be the only ones putting all of our eggs in one basket?
I mean, God forbid a woman does what's best for her, right? *eye roll*
Tuh.
And make no mistake, exclusively dating is not the same as entering a relationship, but we're not here for that convo, we're here to discuss the topic at hand. Should we be exclusively dating while shopping around? And is not doing so still frowned upon?
Well, of course the innanet weighed in Janae's dating life, as almost 90,000 likes later, the praise and the hate, alike, came rolling in.
The fellas couldn’t fathom the idea:
Twitter
Because, again, ego:
*Hesitant
But most of the ladies didn’t care:
And the applause kept coming in:
Twitter
And some loved it:
Some explained it:
And some knew that doing so was best:
But regardless on how you feel about it, Janae wants the guys to know that for the ladies, it’s simple:
We have options.
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With a multi-layered approach to her artistry, just as she did on that winter day in December 2013 with the infamous digital drop of her self-titled album, she changed the game again on February 1, 2023, when she announced her world tour in support of Renaissance, her seventh studio album. Her cultural impact set the internet ablaze, with everyone trying to gather their coins, barter for presale codes, and figure out which cities to attend. The group chats were lit, and the Beyhive was stressed trying to get their hands on tickets.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
Unfortunately, I was in that number. As the concert dates passed by and the one in my city drawing near all roads led to disappointment. With time ticking on the day of the Miami show and less than two hours to spare, my wallet bit the bullet, and I purchased three last-minute tickets, costing roughly $700.00 a piece (including fees) for me, my 9-year-old and 16-year-old nieces in Section 121 at the Hard Rock Stadium. With 10 minutes before showtime, we eagerly awaited the Queen to take the stage. A sea of metallic fringes, cowboy hats, disco fans, and western boots were in full effect and filled the entire stadium.
As the lights dimmed, a flood of emotions instantly overtook my body. It continued with each note she belted, along with nearly 50,000 roaring fans. The reverberating sound of the music through the stadium transported me from one era of my life to the next. As a teen girl in her bedroom daydreaming about her first love to blossoming into an unapologetic Black woman who is still on a road of self-discovery while learning to lean into the power anthem of "You won't break my soul." For over two hours, and with each set, I felt joy, love, peace, and a commanderie with fellow concertgoers. It was therapeutic as I danced like no one was watching and sang as if I were alone in my bathroom mirror.
There were no bars held, and I realized at that moment, "Nobody can judge me but me." The "Renaissance World Tour" proved to be so vast, and my Black girl joy was re-invigorated. It was magnetic and liberating, and I had to attend again, but this time, I needed to be up close and personal; I needed to be on the floor. In the days that passed, I watched more social media clips in different cities and asked myself if I would really splurge again to attend another Renaissance show.
Photo courtesy of Dontaira Terrell
After all, this would be my thirteenth time (maybe more because I lost count) seeing Beyoncé live, whether she was on tour with Destiny's Child, as a solo artist, or doing a live appearance. I contemplated for a while, but it worked itself out on its own. I was gifted two tickets and the next thing I knew, I was off to LA to attend another Renaissance show with floor seats at SoFi Stadium during Beyonce's 42nd birthday weekend! This time, things were different: no kids were allowed. It was adults only this go round.
Although the energy at the Miami and Los Angeles shows was empowering, infectious, and a celebration of life, happiness, and identity, they each provided their own unique experience. However, both concerts were what I needed for my well-being, leaving me with sore feet from dancing the night away, on vocal rest for the next few days from screaming at the top of my lungs, and on an indefinite high on life.
My introduction and love for Beyoncé began in 1996, while my older sister lived in Houston, TX, right before Bey hit the scene in 1998 with "No, No, No" as a budding R&B member. Her evolution twenty-seven years later as an international superstar and into womanhood has been an incredible journey to witness. As Mrs. Carter reminds each of us in the audience every night before the curtain closes, "I want you to remember this moment, where you're standing, who you came with, and take it with you. I hope you feel inspired."
I truly felt inspired, so thank you, Queen Bey. You awakened my inner child, and I will definitely remember these moments and take them with me.
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Feature image by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood
