Who thought we'd see the day when rappers became relationship gurus, or when Nelly would be analyzing and breaking down why black women are single. Well, unfortunately that day has come. During a recent visit at Chicago's WGCI station, the St. Louis rapper sounded off on why he feels so many black women in America are single. "This is just my opinion; I think some girls want the perfect guy. I'm not saying it doesn't exist, but it has to exist for you," Nelly stated. With a failed attempt to not look sexist he continued, "I think a lot of people -- and not just girls, because guys may do it too -- I think we interpret relationships maybe wrong a little bit because [we're thinking], 'Does this look right? Do me and him look right in society's eyes,' Instead of, 'Does he look right in my eyes? Does he take care of me? Does he make me feel special.' He may not be 6'2", with broad shoulders and all that but is that what you really want?"
"I've seen girls turn down a nice guy because he didn't look the part, but he was a great guy. He had the job, he treated her special, he did everything she asked, but he didn't quite look the part. Then you got the guy that looks the part, but he ain't on the job," Nelly told WGCI host Loni Swain.
Real talk, Nelly - women want both. Men want both. We all want someone that looks good on paper, and is good to us off paper. Do perfect people exist? Of course the concept of the perfect person is far fetched, but really finding a "perfect" companion is all relative to what your own personal standards of perfection are.People shouldn't have to make apologies for having those standards, and believe it or not finding your 'perfect' person isn't impossible if you realistically define what those standards are. Defining your perfect match means being flexible and giving things a range, versus setting your requirements in stone.
For example, what's wrong with not being attracted to short men? If for the sake of not being labeled shallow forces you to date someone you're not attracted to, it will be difficult to keep your interest, whether you're a man or woman. Instead of saying you want a man that's 6'2'', consider shifting your requirements to a man who's 5'10'' or taller. These type of outward requirements that involve money, looks or status only make you shallow when you give no room for flexibility.
Reexamining Nelly's advice to black single women addresses one issue, yet perpetuates another problem with women in general. While attempting to find society's standards of a perfect man will keep you single, thinking it's all about what a man can do for you will keep you just as single. Who cares if a man has a job, treats you special and does everything you ask, if you're not reciprocating that same type of love and attention. If you go about life being just a taker and not a giver, you'll find yourself by yourself.
Whether you're a man or woman, we all make mistakes. Even when you find that 'perfect' person they will always remain imperfect, for to be human is to err. Finding a perfect person is impossible. Finding and securing a perfect love however, isn't if both people realize mistakes do happen and that 'perfect' love, requires work.
Follow writer Shirea L. Carroll on Twitter @InviteOnly


Comments: (58)
Add a comment
By: ADMR on 10/08/2010 6:58PM
PERFECT LOVE.....SEE - Wink!
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: KDiva on 10/10/2010 6:37PM
He is making some sense, however, is he even credible enough for these words to part from his lips? He isn't even man enough to claim a woman (Ashanti) who he was obviously in a relationship with for years. Come on now grow up and own up to the relationship instead of the old cop out "we just friends."
Report This
By: htaot on 10/11/2010 9:10PM
For the past two seasons, Kim Zolciak has entertained the masses as the sole white woman with the larger-than-life personality on Bravo's hit reality show 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta.I am female, 20,a young and big beautiful woman in US,i just wonder if i can meet a man who can love me here,because i am single at present and i need someone’s support..i uploaded my hot photos on kissbbw.com under the name nancy099,maybe you want to check out my photos first!
Report This
By: D.NEW on 10/13/2010 2:13PM
THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS WHY WOMEN DONT FIND EM AND LIKE HE(nelly) SAY DUDES TO. I MEEN I WANA MEET A FEW OF THOSE FOLKS THAT REALY FIND THERE PIRFICT MATE 1ST THAT HARD AS HELL.. AND THATS GOD AND FATE WE ARE ALL! JUST MAKEING DO AND all...CONVINCEABLE DOUBTERS HUUUMMMMMMMM DONT AKS ME ASK! URSELF..
Report This
By: Civility Please! on 10/08/2010 7:12PM
I don't have an issue with the content of the story, as Nelly stated he was expressing his opinion. However, I do have an issue with the tenor of the author's headline "Nelly, who made you a love expert?" I found Ms. Carroll's headline to both rude and combative. If civility as opposed to distain had been expressed, it would have been a more pleasurable experience reading this article.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Mrs. DMS on 10/08/2010 8:00PM
Totally agree. The title of this article really threw me. I'm glad I read the entire article for myself, as I was ready, gun cocked and loaded, to go in on Nelly, when in fact, he did say a lot of things that make sense. I know we want it all, but people are going to have to relax and go with the flow, without settling too badly. Everyone wants the sexy, attractive person, point is, so does everyone else. I'm not saying get someone hard on the eyes, because I certainly didn't, but I also wouldn't have automatically cut him off if he wasn't. For me, height didn't mean much. Being 5'6, is wasn't hard to find a man taller than me. Also, I think that while we are focusing on the outer appearance, we literally miss what's going on, on the inside of a person. Nelly also mentioned that, which he also made sense in.
While there ARE many people giving their two cents on how to make relationships work, while they fail miserably, case and point, Act Like a Lady, think like a Man, people will do well to keep others out of their business and love who God sends them! Often times, people who are shallow, broken and hurt, are the main ones, looking for someone perfect.
Report This
By: liar on 10/18/2010 7:08PM
good point nelly. and the author need to take a chill pill; too much pent-up angst.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: mslalagirl on 10/08/2010 9:33PM
...and why is he single?
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: dsaqt4life on 10/08/2010 9:43PM
i think the author of this opinion piece is reading way too much into Nelly's words. what he said is not offensive at all and it's not like he's dogging women. you're lucky no one has asked me why so many black women are single b/c i'll let you know there are a few too many plus size chics out here thinking they're hot and shooting attitude when they need to be in the gym where i am 3 to 4 days a week. and you can take my advice to the bank. i'm a married black woman.
Reply to this Comment | Report This
By: Karen on 10/10/2010 9:56AM
What if for some reason your wife "God forbid" were ill and needed to take a medication (predisone) that adds so much weight. Would you stop loving your wife if even after she was on this "miracle drug" she couldn't shed the pounds? Would divorce be on the menu?
Report This