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I’m not going to tiptoe around this topic. If it makes you uncomfortable – good.

For starters – a lot of men constantly hope they have a chance with me, romantically. I started to notice this years ago, but I feel now is the perfect time to say something.

Being that I am Afro-Latina…men seem to think offering me less will keep me around. I was raised completely different – I am in fact old money. Even with that going for me, men from all races seem to think I’m going to stick around for their bullshit.

I’m positive it isn’t just me experiencing this, I know for women of color, it is on a grander scale. But as mentioned before, I was raised differently. Truly, I don’t need a man. Most of the men that try to approach me are broke. That is always a given. They either pretend so they can try keep me, or expect me to give up my money.

Second to that, they don’t take care of themselves. Dear men – there are other me who do, in fact, brush their teeth and take showers. Why in gods name would I settle for less?

Third, they have inferiority complexes and issues with sex. Meaning they’re more likely to cheat, or have a history they don’t wish to discuss. There’s nothing I’m willing to put up with. I don’t need a warm body – but apparently you do.

Fourth. When my intelligence becomes present, there is an uncomfortable shift. One of two things happens – the man thinks he’s smarter than me. Or he’s intimidated and doesn’t want to be bothered.

You know, because a black woman being smart is unusual.

More like – she can’t be controlled, what’s the point?

Lastly, what I am mixed with is fetishized. American men are typically the ones who mention how they love that I’m multi-racial. Always with my skin tone and hair texture. That means I’m a prize to be won in their minds, not a woman to be loved.

I’ve told a handful of my friends that I’m going to start (aside from disappearing) saying what’s on my mind. It is laughable. Especially since I know my worth.

Why would I ever?