Taraji P. Henson Says Your Circle Could Be Sabotaging Your Relationship
If you've ever had trouble figuring out what your male boss really thinks of you after a meeting or if the guy you're on date 3 with is really telling the truth, What Men Want star Taraji P. Henson seeks to give you a little insight.
In this highly anticipated film, the recent Hollywood Walk-of-Fame Star recipient serves as our undercover woman to give us the inside scoop to the thoughts of men. In the film, Taraji plays the lead role of Ali Davis, the spunky yet successful sports agent who aspires to become the first Black female partner at her firm. The only problem? Her approach with men is wildly underwhelming. But with just a few sips of some arguably suspect tea, Ali now has a secret weapon in her possession: the ability to hear men's thoughts.
Co-Produced by Hollywood power-producer Will Packer, this movie is just one glimpse into what it's like to navigate a male-centric industry as a woman in 2019. And as hard as it may be for women to dominate their professional relationships, successfully cultivating their personal ones provide challenges of their own. xoNecole got to chat exclusively with the film's star Taraji P. Henson, where she let us in on a few of her personal secret weapons that helped her find success in both her love life and professional life.
"You have to have the right people around you," Taraji explained. "I have a group of friends around me that don't allow me to leave the room. You know, if me and my fiancé find ourselves with an issue, they grab hands and lock arms. They're like 'you can't leave the circle, you have to stay and figure it out.' You have to stay and figure it out because that's what 'lifetime' [commitment] is about. I think a lot of times it's who you're getting your advice from which would help you to sabotage your relationship."
And just as it's important to have a solid team of friends around you, it's equally as important to have a collaborative spirit. Especially when it comes to the workforce. Taraji let us know that being a team player is what made it easy for her to have her voice and opinions heard. "Even though the director and producers were men, they're fair in their thinking," she says. "Therefore I have a team and we work together. You can't ever be afraid to speak your mind. Will [Packer, producer] knows that if I speak out about something, it means I'm passionate about it. I'm not a problem-maker but if there's an issue that I feel passionately about, I'm going to speak on it."
She adds, "You have to learn to pick your battles, you can't fight every fight. You want to win the war. So you have to be very conscious about the battles you choose."
What Men Want is in theaters everywhere so be sure get your tickets NOW!
Featured image by Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images.
Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage
