I am going to start off by saying that the words "sugar daddy" and "sugar baby" do not mean the same thing to everyone, however there is some stigma attached to these terms and there always will be. Despite our hypergamous nature as women, society still tells us we should prioritize love and a man's potential over provision and the protection it brings. This is why it's taboo for a beautiful woman to openly refer to herself as a "sugar baby" or lets it be known that she only dates men who are successful.
The women who struggle with this fact the most are women of color who aren't from an upper class background, as we are expected to go 50/50 and settle for "struggle love". The truth is, we have more options than we realize, because men of all races, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds value young attractive women.
Wealthy men are able to attract and effectively court these women, spoil them with gifts and luxurious trips to beautiful destinations. These men are often called "sugar daddies" because, for them, life is sweet and life with them is the same for the ladies they fancy; it's also not uncommon for these men to be older or a divorced. The thing is, not every successful older man is a SD looking for an "arrangement" with a sugar baby, and not every attractive young woman is a "gold digger" (as they are often called) just out for his money. In fact, some men genuinely meet and fall in love with young women, and then make them spoiled wives.
I have dated men of means, some I've met online and some I've met the "old fashioned" way, and I've associated with plenty SBs who swear by that lifestyle. They consider common romantic relationships with regular men "vanilla" and unfulfilling. I, on the other hand, just believe every woman deserves a financially stable man who can provide, and will treat them like the Queen they are! The thing is, many of these men operate in a different world and have a different set of standards because of it, i.e. things that might not turn off a guy with a 9-5 may turn off a CEO of a Fortune 500 company. A level of discernment is needed to learn what type of man you're dealing with, and how to handle them accordingly.
For every 10 Sugar Daddies, there are 100 Salt Daddies out to waste your time and try to take advantage of you.
There are also "Splenda Daddies" who will pretend to have wealth to bait you, but they are not as financially secure as they claim to be (rental cars and Airbnbs, we see you). Don't fret sis, I have used my knowledge to compile a how-to list on attracting quality men on your level; and how to repel "broke boys" who want to hold interviews before taking you on coffee dates, or make you go dutch at the neighborhood bar and grille. *deep sigh*
How To Attract High Quality Men & Repel Low Quality Men
Be A Lady In The Streets...
Men of means are usually cultured and prefer classy women they can take out and show off, a "lady in the streets" so to speak. With this type of man, less is more. Soft and natural makeup, pencil skirts, the classic little black dress, 4in heels, simple hairstyles, and understated jewelry are key to turning the heads of businessmen.
Pretty, feminine colors will work wonders. If you like pants more than dresses, nice-fitting slacks with loafers or heels paired with a blouse is the chicest way to go. I would avoid jeans, leggings, and athletic gear when on dates or "freestyling" (i.e. getting dolled up and go out to places quality men frequent and congregate. )
Lead A Full Life
Most successful men have worked hard to get their fortune, and thus are busy the majority of the time. The time they spend with you will be quality but unless they are retired, they won't have a lot of it. Therefore, they like for their women to have their own lives.
As such, it would behoove you to have several hobbies that enrich your life. Not only will it make you mysterious to a potential suitor, it will give you something interesting to talk about! Yoga, painting, playing an instrument, taking cooking classes, and joining a book club are all good examples of where to start to create a fuller life.
Channel Your Divine Feminine
It's common for women to speak of the "Glow Up" or "Level Up" before looking for a man, but only mention the physical aspect of the transformation. It is true, rich men like sexy women who are in shape (usually size 10 or smaller) because they have more options and are less likely to deal with a woman who doesn't invest in her looks. However, a poor attitude, bad manners, and masculine energy are equally unattractive to them.
These men tend to be masculine alpha males with stressful careers and or businesses; when away from work, they want to unwind with beautiful and fun women. This brings me to my next point, femininity isn't just about makeup, bundles, and stilettos. Being feminine is more than being pretty or sexy, it's a mindset and the energy a woman should possess. Some examples of what this looks like is being sweet, kind, nurturing, quiet, and classy. Sit back and be a vessel of feminine energy. Let him take the lead. Don't you dare reach for the check, sis!
Put Yourself In Positions To Be Found
Where does a woman find these high value men? They're everywhere but the best places to spot them at places with things men like: a nice steak, cigars, liquor etc. You want to go to these spots solo or with one like-minded friend (a man is less likely to approach a group of women). Every major city has a poppin' downtown business district or upper class part of town where there are nice steakhouses, museums, hotel restaurants, and cigar bars.
Happy Hours are the best time to go "date yourself" and possibly run into your future husband or SD. Think Morton's The Steakhouse, Fleming's Steakhouse, Ruth's Chris Steak House; it's after work so the caliber of men you're looking for will be there to have a drink and socialize. You'll walk in looking amazing, get a seat at the bar or a quiet corner table, and prepare yourself to act as the snack and the meal.
After you order an appetizer, get yourself a girly drink like a Cosmopolitan, Amaretto Sour, or a Mojito and open a book to keep your attention while you become someone else's. Never get drunk and watch the bartender prepare your drink, especially if a gentleman offers to buy you one.
Date Online
For the ladies who aren't ready to get out and "freestyle" just yet, you can go online to sites like Onluxy, Seeking Arrangement, Bumble, Tinder and others. It's easier to be deceitful online so be careful, there are plenty of Salt Daddies on these sites. Do your due diligence to vet all men carefully, and do not give out personal information right away!
Always arrange first dates in a public place so you're on even ground, and drive or Lyft your way there so you can leave on your own terms.
Lastly, ladies remember that YOU are the prize so there is nothing wrong with desiring a man who can provide, and will treat you well. Be it a Sugar Daddy to fund your "hot girl summer" or a successful man to marry and start a family with -- whichever works for you.
Happiness is the end goal so being confident, and putting yourself in the position to get precisely what you want is "The Sweet Spot". Any woman can level up.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
Would You Ever Be A Sugar Baby?
This Grad Student Shares How Her Sugar Daddy Paid Her $15K Debt
The 5 Traits Of The High Value Woman That Drive The Fellas Wild
Hustle A Job Or Hustle A Man? 9 Things I Learned About Sugar Babies
Featured image by Getty Images
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- The Surprising Type Of Women Rich Men Like To Date - YouTube ›
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RELATED
One new fun fact we learned was that Nicole was married and Boris was also in a relationship. That didn’t bother Boris though because when you know, you know.
“It started getting tricky when the second year, second season [of Soul Food], I think, when the whole entire crew was over us. The whole crew was like, ‘Y’all mfs, you better get that together because we know. Are you guys blind?’”
He went on to say, “Then one day I walked in a trailer and I said to her, ‘By the way, we are gonna be married with two kids one day.’ And I just walked out. That didn’t go over very well. She was mad. She was mad for three weeks. But think about it—why was she mad though? Why was she mad? Because she was right. If it was just a joke to her, she would’ve just laughed and moved on.”
They decided to take a break from each other over the summer after Soul Food wrapped. But the universe had other plans, just two weeks later, they found themselves working together again on the set of Brown Sugar in New York.
Together, they’ve navigated parenthood, launched business ventures, and become advocates for health and wellness, all while keeping their connection strong. Their journey is a beautiful reminder that true love thrives on teamwork, trust, and a shared vision for the future.
The 'Soul Food' cast members in 2000: Darrin Henson, Rockmond Dunbar, (back row) Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker, Vanessa Williams, (middle row) Malinda Williams and Aaron Meeks (foreground)
Ken Hively/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
2000:
First Meeting: Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe met on the set of the Showtime series Soul Food, where they played on-screen love interests. Their chemistry both on- and off-screen sparked a real-life romance. During his interview with Jemele Hill, he said, “When I first got there, I was the newbie. It was my first job. Super excited, super nervous. And she was unbelievable—actress on stage, movies, TV, everything. But she really embraced me. She was super nice to me. I remember that—super heartwarming and nice.”
He continued, “She really helped me a lot—breaking down the scripts, explaining to me what was going on. I had a million questions. When I read the script, half the stuff I didn’t understand, right? Because there were colloquialisms, there were references to old TV shows that I’d never seen in my life. So I would always come to her and ask her about certain things that I was supposed to say, and I didn’t know what it meant.”
2005:
Engagement: Boris proposed to Nicole, marking a significant step in their relationship.
Marriage: The couple tied the knot on May 21, 2005, in an intimate ceremony in Gundelfingen, Germany, Boris's homeland. Kodjoe and Parker exchanged vows in his hometown of Gundelfingen, Germany, in 2005 at a 900-year-old venue. They told People, “We walked from the church to his Oma's house, and it was literally like we were Hansel and Gretel. I thought I was in a storybook.” The newlyweds arrived at the church in a horse and carriage donning traditional German garb.
First Child: The couple welcomed their first child, Sophie Tei-Naaki Lee Kodjoe, who was born with spina bifida. Her condition inspired their advocacy for health awareness.
2006:
Advocacy Work: Boris and Nicole became active in raising awareness about spina bifida and supporting families with children who have special needs. “We have gone through so many different emotional levels with Sophie,” Boris told PEOPLE. “We had the fear of her dying to paralysis. All kinds of different monsters attacked us.” The couple's personal journey led them to establish the Sophie's Voice Foundation.
The organization's mission is to increase awareness about spina bifida and generate financial support for a groundbreaking new surgical procedure trial.
2007:
Second Child: Their son, Nicolas Neruda Kodjoe, was born, completing their family. In 2015, Boris celebrated his baby boy on Instagram saying, “You brighten up the sky for us every single day. When God sought me out to be your dad he blessed me with so much love and light. I'm honored and excited to be in your presence and to witness the evolution of Nico.”
2010s:
Power Couple Status: Nicole and Boris became known as a Hollywood power couple, balancing their thriving careers with family life and public appearances. They often shared insights into their marriage and parenting on social media and in interviews. The Real House Husbands of Hollywood alum shared this advice, “[Treat] your wife like she's still your girlfriend. You have to water the plant every day, not just once a week. [Give her] surprises, little gifts, notes, texts, flowers. Just little things, but do them consistently."
Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe in 2010.
Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage
2015:
10th Wedding Anniversary: The couple celebrated a decade of marriage, frequently sharing their gratitude for each other in public forums.
To celebrate, Nicole shared a love letter in German (that we have translated in English) to her forever love:
You are EVERYTHING
Corinthians said it would be.
Patient
Kind
Free of envy
Does not boast
Humble
Not easily angered
Keeping no record of wrongs.
You protect, trust and persevere.
You are EVERYTHING your fans think you are.
Ridiculously fine.
With clothes.
Without.
Takes care of his kids.
Good to his wife.
Respects his Mama.
Handles his business.
You are EVERYTHNG I ever hoped for
Strong.
Deep.
Kind.
Connected to his Spirit.
Funny.
Smells good. (heyy)
Travel companion
Focused on what matters.
Provider.
Good father.
King.
Together we have filled a decade with
Laughter and adventure,
Tears and trials,
Kids and chaos,
Deep connections and communication breakdowns,
Fried Chicken and schnitzel…
Holding each other up and having each other’s back all along the way.
I am so blessed to call you my husband for these past 10 years
and I am so ready for 10 more.
Truly, Madly, Deeply, Your Nicole.
2018:
Fitness Venture: Nicole and Boris launched KOFIT, a wellness app focused on fitness and healthy living, showcasing their shared passion for holistic health. Nicole and Boris Kodjoe's fitness app aims to help families prioritize health and wellness without sacrificing precious time. The app offers quick and easy exercises and meditations that can be completed in as little as five minutes per day, making it accessible for busy families.
The app features instructional videos led by the fit couple themselves, along with contributions from Boris' brother Pat, a certified personal trainer, and his wife, a seasoned yoga practitioner. The Kodjoe-Parker children also make appearances in the app, adding a fun and engaging element for families to enjoy together.
2019:
In a 2019 interview with PEOPLE, Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe expressed their admiration for each other. “He's exactly who his persona is, kind, loves being a husband and father. An incredible human being who thinks of others. He's just authentically good.” Boris added, "She's drop-dead, smashingly gorgeous and sexy. She's intelligent. She's confident. The fact that she's so comfortable with who she is, that to me is everything."
Nicole Ari Parker, Boris Kodjoe, and family in 2019.
Rachel Murray/Getty Images for City Year Los Angeles
2020:
Lockdown Life: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple’s humorous social media posts about their relationship resonated with fans. Nicole jokingly complained about Boris not flirting with her, sparking a viral discussion about romance in long-term marriages.
2022:
Marriage Wisdom: They shared their secrets with Ebonyto keeping the spark alive in their relationship after nearly two decades, emphasizing communication, mutual respect, and adaptability. The couple attributes “kissing for no reason, surprise daycations, and spiritual check-ins” as tried-and-true tips for keeping the fire alive in your relationship throughout all of the chaos.
2023:
In February 2023, the couple revitalized Gymwrap, Parker's athleisure brand. Originally conceived by the actress years prior as a solution for workout headbands, the brand has since expanded under Parker and Kodjoe's leadership to include a wider range of accessories, jackets, tops, and leggings.
"I admire her and her brain for how creative she is and the ideas that she comes up with. I'm in awe when I just watch her navigate these kinds of environments," Boris shared with PEOPLE. The family collaborated to relaunch the brand, with Sophie contributing her production and photography skills.
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Featured image by Kevin Tachman/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR