love Archives - Mother 2 Mother Blog

Do You Choose Looks Over Character In Relationships

July 10, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

While on Facebook yesterday a friend’s post comes through my feed. The description was “Adorable” and it was a picture of this man who had just been sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for fraud. I was familiar with the young man, Apollo Nida (below). He starred on the reality television show Real House Wives of Atlanta. I looked again to make sure I had read my friend’s description correctly, and yes it was in deed Adorable. My reaction was Oh My God not another women drooling over a convicted felon. I commented on her post, and stated “What he is, is a white collar criminal.” Her response was “True.” If it’s true, why wouldn’t you speak on that rather than his looks? I don’t understand our thinking as women at times.

How does a woman who just reads an article about a man who commits fraud, bilks millions from businesses by the use of Identity Thief, and is now leaving his wife to raise two toddlers on her own considered the man “Adorable?” She disregarded all of this and focused on his looks. I don’t get it ladies. I like a little eye candy too, but if he’s a criminal I can’t find the attraction. Did you see the smoke as I was running away, it all goes out the window for me.

Several weeks ago this picture went viral of another convict. Women went crazy over this guy, he’s charged with a felony and he’s an alleged gang member. They actually helped raise money for his bail. I find it hard to believe that we as women can be so superficial, and than we wonder why we end up with superficial. You know the men who leave us drained, bruised, and beaten if not physically than emotionally. We don’ bother to look beneath the surface, we’re mesmerized by those chiseled cheeks and baby blues. When we finally wake up, we’re left with children to raise on our own and wondering how we’re going to make ends meet. We’re surprised when they end up back in jail. Isn’t that where they were when we found them.

In the case of Apollo Nida, (top photo), his wife is an attorney and just received her licence to open a Mortuary. An educated woman, but she married him after he was convicted of felony charges charges years ago. Not only did she marry a felon, she has two toddlers with him. Now she will be raising the boys on her own, because he is returning to jail. His reason for returning to a life of crime was because his wife was making more money, and he was trying to keep up with her. He had no respect for his wife or his children while he was committing these crimes. He slept beside his wife and pretended to be a role model for his children everyday for years. He has now been exposed once again for who he is. Was his wife really fooled or did she get caught up in his looks too and turn the other cheek? Only she knows.

I believe that people deserve second changes, and many who have committed crimes are capable of turning their life around, but there are also those who will never change. How do you know what you have? Sorry I don’t have the answer to that question. Relationships and love are a risk, so we must dig deep and move slowly so we can find out who that person really is before your start drooling, giving up your money and committing yourself. Getting beyond looks should be number one in my opinion. Now don’t get me wrong there has to be a physical attraction, but I need to get to know you on a spiritual level as well as your values, your background, credit history, relationship with family etc. I have a list that I use now. I honestly can’t say that I was very smart in selecting a mate in my past, but my eyes are wide open now.

Ladies, we have to be smarter in choosing a mate and what we say. Move beyond the physical and look at who he is. Ask questions, look at his childhood, but most importantly look at his heart. If a man shows you who he is, believe him. When you read an article or post and the man is handsome, but has wronged his family don’t overlook his character. It makes others question you or at least wonder what’s going through your head. Know that you deserve better than a man who only has his looks going for him.

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: character, love, relationships, self-esteem

10 Steps To Deal With Grief From A Breakup

March 19, 2014 by Rhonda Gales

Trying to mend a broken heart from a breakup or divorce? I’ve been there and it can be a rough road. Grief from a breakup can cause you to want to die or at least feel that you are. You may try to rekindle the relationship by plotting a scheme on how on you can get him or her back. Calling, texting, or checking their Facebook page enters your mind. You may even drive by their house or have conversations with their friends to get advice on how to work things out. Today, I’m sharing tips on how to survive a divorce or breakup. Knowing that there is life after a divorce or breakup is empowering.

STOP! Take a deep breath, regroup and focus on you. I know it’s hard, but you have to do it so that you can start the healing process. It’s the only way you can move on with your life. If you were unable to resolve your differences and you’re in the grieving process, you need to get real. You had some serious problems that sent you or your partner in the opposite direction.

Next, if you couldn’t resolve your problems when you where together, it’s doubtful that they will ever be resolved. Sometimes we just outgrow each other. I knew, I’ve already walked in your shoes. Here’s a quote that I want you to absorb: “God will sometimes end a relationship for your protection. Don’t chase after the person he’s trying to save you from.” – Trent Shelton.

Sometimes you see it coming and sometimes you don’t. However, the longer you try to hold on the longer you will endure pain. Ending a relationship with someone that you vowed to spend the rest of your life with or you have fell deeply in love with is like a death. I have experienced both and you grieve over both losses. Just as important, you may become angry or you don’t want to get out of bed. You may cry until the well runs dry and the list goes on. I went through this when my ex-husband and I divorced, and when I lost my father to cancer. Grief from a breakup whether in love or death is painful.

I survived and you can too. Here’s how:

Know that you life is not over, your lovable and you’re moving on to the next chapter in your life.
You’re not a failure, you were smart enough to know when it was time to get out.
Your children will be fine. There are millions of children in the world who come from divorced homes and they don’t turn out to be rapists or bank robbers.
Pamper yourself during this time period. You must treat yourself well and know that you deserve it. Don’t run your credit cards up, just treat yourself occasionally.
Don’t jump into another relationship. Next, rebounds are not wise and they rarely work.
Set small goals for yourself. This would be a good time to join a gym and work off some stress. If you can’t afford a gym, find a safe place to walk. It’s a good way to think and clear your head.
Limit yourself on the number of conversations that you have about him/her. It will only prolong your healing.
Enhance your job skills, your household income will be less. So, don’t depend on anything other than child support. Unless you are married to a million, women are rarely awarded alimony. Get a job and in the meantime, enhance your skills so you can get a better one. There are programs available to assist you. Reach out.
Find a church, you need to renew your faith to get you through the rough times.
Get focused! Last, you will be heading up your household and leading the way for your children.

Additionally, remember to start your grieving process slowly. And make sure you work through all stages. Otherwise, you will only be placing band-aids on open wounds. You will experience many emotions. So, there will be sadness, anger, bitterness, loneliness and why me sessions. Know that emotions are temporary and it’s okay to experience them.

Furthermore, your ex will move on and begin dating again. Prepare yourself, and whatever you do, don’t approach the other woman. She can’t be with him if he doesn’t want to be with her. You don’t want your children to find out that you handled things in this manner.

Last, give yourself plenty of time to heal. Check out my post on Divorce Cakes for a laugh. Laughing is good for the soul. It’s a wonderful feeling when you’re ready to move on. You will come out of it stronger, wiser and a better person for your struggle. It’s unwise to try to hold on to something that no longer exists. Most importantly, let it go so you can free yourself for someone who is deserving of you and your love.

Filed Under: Divorce, Empowerment Tagged With: grief, love, relationships

Finding Love Again

October 30, 2013 by Rhonda Gales

I’ve met a man that could potentially be my soul mate. I may be falling in love again! After my on-line dating fiasco, I had just about given up on love.  When it was the least of my concerns, I met a gentleman that has potential. I met this gentleman through my Uncle, who had met him on his job. For some reason, he believed that we would be perfect for each other.

I was leery, but also intrigued. My Uncle had never involved himself in my love life in any way. I was curious as to why he believed this person was a match for me.  He also has tons of other nieces, I wondered why he chose me. After chatting with him to get answers to these questions, he said he believed that we had many things in common and I should at least meet him. I agreed to give up my cell phone number, and I would take it from there. I received a call the next night, but I decided not to answer the my phone when the call came through.

The gentleman left a message, and I must admit his voice captivated me. I decided to wait until the next day to return his call. When I did he was unavailable, so I sent a text. He responded immediately. I soon learned that he was a weapons expert and was teaching a class. We texted off and on for the next 2 hours.  We decided to exchange pictures, we both liked what we saw. We talked on the phone and texted each other for the next two weeks. We decided to meet and we’ve been inseparable ever since. We’re hitting the seven month mark.  He believes that I’m the one, and he’s going to marry me. We’ll see about that, but I’ve decided to enjoy the ride.

He currently lives in the next state; however, he will be relocating to my area. I learned that he has been teaching in my area and along the east coast for about a year, and plans to relocate to my town. That was a plus. We found out that we had many things in common. He’s divorced and has 3 children and 1 grandchild, I have 1 child and 2 grandchildren. We both love seafood, wine festivals, amateur photography, travel and the Lord.

There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to get my hopes up because I’m afraid of another disappointment, but there’s another part of me that’s saying take the risk. He may truly be the one. Things have already gone better than what I encountered on the on-line dating sites. He’s a romantic, holds my hand, opens the door for me, pulls out my chair, he conducts himself like a perfect gentleman. A man who has a job and is a gentlemen, nice start. I was curious to see what was under the exterior.

I felt that I needed to do thing differently in hopes that I would attract someone worthy of my time. You may be wondering what I did. I read Steve Harvey’s book Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man and decided to follow his rules. I decided that I would not lower my standards. If he wanted to be with me he would raise his if necessary. I can’t say that he raised his, but he respected mine.

Secondly, I didn’t let my emotions get the best of me. I followed my head and stuck to my guns on becoming intimate too soon. He pressed initially, but I held my ground. I made it clear that I wanted to wait and get to know him and I wanted him to get to know me before we took that step. Becoming sexually involved too soon clouds a woman’s judgment. He backed off and actually said he respected my decision and he would wait until I was ready. Ladies, if he respects you he will wait. There’s times when we meet someone that we’re attracted to, and get involved too soon because we’re afraid they’ll go elsewhere. My attitude was go, but you won’t be visiting candy land anytime soon.

As we spent more time getting to know each other, I leaned that he has been divorced for 10 years, and has had time to heal. No excess baggage and no baby’s mama drama! He clearly stated that he has a 13 year old; however, he doesn’t allow her mother to interfere in his relationships. Another plus. He’s ready for a permanent relationship. He also stated that if I wasn’t ready for a serious relationship he would accept that, but he would have to move on. During one of our conversation, he said there were three ingredients to a successful relationship, God, trust and respect and they must be in that order. If any of the ingredients were missing, the relationship would fail. Wow, he really got my attention there.

Another thing that I really like about him is that we can talk for hours about nothing in particular. We burned the phone lines for 4 hours one night and I think we hit the 1,334th text message in a three month period. We’re still going strong. Stay tuned for periodic updates on my journey to love.

How did you meet your significant other/husband? I’m always up for a good love story.