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The Swirl World

Celebrating and Elevating Black Women - mind, body, soul and spirit!


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#301| Positive Mind. Positive Vibes. Positive Life!

October 28, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 3 Comments

shareasimagePositiveVibes

Positive mind. Positive vibes. Positive life!

 

Join in the Fray: Which of the three “positives” is your favorite – and why?

The Swirl World Team is committed to sharing 365 days of inspiration in 2015. Our goal is to help you stay motivated and inspired by bringing you positive, uplifting images and corresponding thoughts.

We’d love to FEATURE YOU in one of our Inspiration Daily posts! If you’d like to be featured, please send a nice, clear photo to InspirationDaily@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo property of The Swirl World™.

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Filed Under: Black Girls, Black Women Living Well, Fantastic Fans, Health & Exercise, Inspiration Daily 2015 Tagged With: Black women, exercise, goal setting, Health, life, living well, Mother, wellness

Guest Post: Find Your Why and Find You

September 15, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

Kaywanda_PHOTOPurpose is a very common word these days, but its overuse doesn’t make it less valid a term. I believe that when we find our purpose or our “why” as I call it, we find who we truly are.

It is common to hear young adults say they are “finding themselves” right around the college years when they have no idea what they want to do. Or, in my opinion, are afraid to do what they know they were born to do.

Purpose

It’s a beautiful, scary, gut-wrenching thing. But, it is the call of our future, amazing selves asking us to choose us right now. Did that make sense? Let me tell you what Webster says. Per Merriam-Webster, purpose is “the aim or goal of a person: what a person is trying to do, become, etc.” So, what are you trying to become? What is your aim? Do you know it?

Finding Your Why

In my new book Do It Anyway! The Single Moms Guide to Living Life and Achieving Her Goals, I discuss finding your why. See, it is my belief that we are half way living if we never answer that all-important question about why we are here and what we are here to do.

Kaywanda_BOOK

I’m a single mom to two teen boys and I love them dearly. But! They are only part of my purpose. They have been entrusted to me for a season and then they will be grown and on to pursuing their God-given purpose. Where does that leave me? Right. Which is precisely why you and I must pursue our purpose with children.

What Are You Called To Do?

The call to be more, do more, and live out our own specific greatness does not stop. We quench it. We may even ignore it. But, it is there. And for a season, we medicate it. We say, “This is enough”. But, really we wonder “What if?”

Tell me. What has life or as I believe, what has God called you to do? Don’t worry. Not everyone can be a pastor of a church, but we all have a call to rise higher. Whatever it is, say yes! Yes to you and your dreams. Wake them up! It’s time to Do It Anyway!

Read on for an excerpt of Kaywanda’s new book, on pre-sale now!

It’s amazing to see women who undervalue what it is they do. I am always amazed at my girlfriends who tell me they don’t have a talent. We single handedly make the world go round for our families, yet they, these strong women, think they do not have what it takes to be more, to do greater. They think they are regular. In their own words, they are talentless. What they really mean is they do not fully own all that they possess and for some reason they do not know what it is that makes them live. By live, I mean that thing that pushes their soul to sheer and complete happiness. That thing that drives them to wake up and chase their dreams, that “je ne se quoi” that only they possess, they simply do not know what it is. Or, they don’t have the courage to admit it.

The Heavy

I think that these women, and you may be one, have lost their “it”, their “thing”, their “mojo” that God innately placed in them. There is nothing wrong with devoting yourself to your family. In fact, it is quite common for new moms to let go of who they are to become a “we”. It’s exciting to be married, in a relationship, and to have a new baby is exhilarating. And then, we go all in. This is the part where we all mess up (Yes, I also did this). The problem is we begin to neglect ourselves for the benefit of US. It is your staying lodged in we that you begin to lose “I”. Make no mistake about it. There is an “I” in fam-i-ly. I know you have good intentions. So did I. But, there comes a time when you are going to want to pick up those dreams of being a doctor, saving children, helping the elderly, and cute cuddly baby will no longer suffice. Hear me. I am not saying that you love your family any less. I am saying that your hunger for what you were born to do will grow. You will figure out how to answer the call or you will stifle it. Trust me. You can do both. You can be a great mom and a dream chaser!

We all have talents, gifts, and resources to give away to our family, friends, and the world. We all have a unique voice that must be shared. When I say voice, I mean your specific way to express who you are. You have to find yours. Your kids are not the sum total of you. Let me say that again. Your kids are not the sum total of you. I know there are people who say we single parents should focus on our kids and let who we are simmer on the backburner. But listen, we have so many examples of single parents doing it today. There is no reason to think that you and I can’t be who we are parent well, also.

I can hear you now. “But, I don’t have a special talent. I wasn’t made to be great.” Or, maybe you say this one, “I don’t know what my purpose is.” Sound familiar? I know it does because I was once in that very position. I know what it is to ask “Why am I here, Lord?” or “What is my talent?” The truth is we all come to some point where we want the answers to these questions. And rightly so! We know there is greater for us. We all secretly know how awesome we are and seek to show that awesomeness to the world. The question then becomes in what stage and how?

The Point/Stick With Me

When I was little, all my family (or at least it seemed like it) knew how to sing. I wanted to sing like them, but instead of using my own style and gifts, I mimicked the stronger altos. I was a mezzo-soprano and loved all things soprano. I loved ranges really. And unfortunately, I tried to be all of them instead of what I was. Subsequently, I ruined my voice and trained my throat that high notes should be left to Mariah Carey. So, the point is that we have to be ourselves and operate in our why. I can’t be you and you can’t be me. But, we can be powerful in our own ways.

You may not feel it or even think you do, but we all have a purpose. We all have gifts on the inside that must be used for our good and the good of others around us. You just have to find out what that is for you. I call that finding your why. We have all seen people we want to emulate. They seem to have it all together and are experts at what they do whether that be connecting, serving, networking, speaking, etc. They are happy, fulfilled, and excited about what they are doing. They simply have zeroed in on their why. That is what I want for you and every woman I can touch. That, my friends, is my why.

Let me tell you my truth. Having a family does not stop the burn in our hearts to achieve our dreams. I know. I felt guilty for wanting to do it all. And I have talked to enough women to know that guilt is there. Somehow if we work (and we need to as single moms), we feel guilty for not being the stay at home mom we dreamed we’d be. Or, at least I did. But, what I’m about to say may be totally opposite of what some folks will tell you. Just listen anyway. Being content raising your kids while putting you on the back burner sounds selfless and wonderful, but it will kill your joy, your spirit, and your zeal for life. Being a single mom is surely not what most of us thought we would be, yet we are. I want you to know that being a mom is a calling, a gift, a blessing, but life does not stop there. It does not stop because we became parents. It may be harder to do what we had originally planned, but it is not impossible.

Hear me good. I am not saying choosing to focus solely on your kids is wrong. If that is for you, by all means do it. But, you will still yearn to complete your original goals. Yes, some women have been able to say good-bye to their dreams. But, I am not able to make peace with being a single mom that lives in the background of my children’s lives. And you do not have to be either! I’m too fabulous to lie dormant. And guess what! So are you. Somebody needs my gifts! And they need yours. You just have to find your why, develop the balls to chase it, and do it anyway! Yep! I said grow some kahunas. I mean are you really content with staying on the sidelines until they are 18? Nah, not me! We/re going to do this thing together. They are going to get the best mom who also rocks her dreams. Talk about leaving a legacy!

Why Now?

The time to come out of the stagnant, can’t stay balanced with it all, overwhelmed state you are in…is now! It is time to truly live. An invigorated, happy you is an invigorated, happy family. Do you know what walking in your purpose really translates to for your kids? They get a happy mom. They get a mom who does not regret being where she is. They get a mom who is showing them how to roll with life and come out a winner. Ah! No one has ever said it that way have they? Nope! But, that doesn’t make it less true. Choosing to not chase your dreams is hurting your kids more than you think. Let’s face it. I see far too many single moms complaining instead of celebrating. It’s rough. I agree. Been there. Bought the t-shirt and the mug. But, it is not impossible to do. Your kids are waiting on the real you to stand up. Will you give them you? Will you give the world you, your gifts, time, talent, and expertise?

Now that you are a parent, has your why changed? Do you still feel passionate about what you were doing or has having your babies opened you up to a whole new world of experiences? Hmm? It is time to find your next WHY. Hopefully the above rant got your mental juices flowing. See, I believe we all have purpose to fulfill and that as we move along sometimes that purpose changes. Think of it like this. You were a cheerleader in high school. Your purpose was to show other girls (who never got picked) how to make the team and share Jesus. Then you graduated and moved on to college. Now, you are not pursuing cheerleading, but you are sharing faith as a member of the Student Council because being a cheerleader helped you get rid of your shyness, gave you boldness and an in to speak to those who normally would not listen. Okay. Random story. But, do you see how purpose changed throughout life? And sometimes it is only in looking back that we can really see why things happened.

It is my desire that you have more than been blessed by this article. It is scary but as you have read it is well worth it to chase your purpose. You and your family will thank you. For more inspiration and tips on single parenting, come see me at KaywandaLamb.com.

 

Kaywanda_circlephoto-150x150Kaywanda Lamb is an author, blogger, speaker, and Single Mom Coach. She teaches single moms to rock the life they got using her motto #DoItAnyway! And her 4 Part system.

Her boys are her pride and joy. She is launching her first book Do It Anyway: The Single Moms Guide to Living Life and Achieving Her Goals September 2015. Follow her @Kaydyma on Twitter and at KaywandaLamb.com for more inspiration and a free discovery session.

Note: The Swirl World receives no affiliate income from this post. We love Kaywanda and simply want to support her!

Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Blog post and excerpt from Do It Anyway! The Single Moms Guide to Living Life and Achieving Her Goals Copyright ©2015 Kaywanda Lamb, All rights reserved. Photos, blog post and book excerpt used with permission.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Black women, children, dating, Do It Anyway, goal setting, goals, Kaywanda Lamb, Mother, single moms, single mother

#239| We May Become Friends

August 27, 2015 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

shareasimageMichelleAndBella

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”

~Maya Angelou

Here on the blog we talk a lot about the benefits of travel. For me, this quote by Maya Angelou goes a long way toward highlighting the multiple benefits of travel.

Today’s photo features Michelle and her daughter Bella while in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

Michelle has agreed to share with Swirl Nation more of her life and her travels via photos and blog posts.

Stay tuned!

 

Join in the Fray: What new friends (or acquaintances) have you made as a result of traveling?

The Swirl World Team is committed to sharing 365 days of inspiration in 2015. Our goal is to help you stay motivated and inspired by bringing you positive, uplifting images and corresponding thoughts.

We’d love to FEATURE YOU in one of our Inspiration Daily posts! If you’d like to be featured, please send a nice, clear photo to InspirationDaily@TheSwirlWorld.com.

Copyright ©2015 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, The Swirl World Podcast™, The Swirl World Inspiration Daily™, Swirl Nation™, All rights reserved. Photo used with permission.

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Filed Under: Black Girls, Black Women Living Well, Fantastic Fans, Inspiration Daily 2015, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Black girls, Black women, children, living well, Mother

Swirling Single Of The Week: Danyell Huffman!

March 26, 2014 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 1 Comment

We experienced a wonderful response to our first Swirling Single Of The Week, Traci Milam.

Kudos to Traci for being bold enough to step on out there and represent as our first Swirling Single profile. Woot Woot!

[Sidebar: Just so you know, all our Swirling Singles have to complete a profile sheet. We also converse personally with each one. And yes, we engage in some other vetting steps – but ultimately, all vetting is on you.]

This is Adrienne and Me - giving you major side eye if you don't know how to vet.

This is Adrienne and Me – giving you major side eye if you don’t know how to vet.

 With that bit of housekeeping out-of-the-way, say hello to our next Swirling Single Of The Week: Danyell Huffman!

 Danyell 1

TSW Admin. Adrienne Leach had the opportunity to converse with Danyell and ask her some questions:

 Danyell, how long have you been single?

I’ve been single for almost a year or so. 

Tell me about yourself.

I’m definitely a lover. If you asked others about me they’d usually say that I’m a giver with a big heart.  When people say “I’d give the shirt off my back”…I really mean it.  I feel that I was put on earth to help others and I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do that in my personal life and in my career.

I was raised with strong morals and values and always treat others how I would want to be treated.  I’m severely loyal almost to a fault sometimes but I’m a believer in Karma so things always work themselves out if others try to take advantage of your kindness.

I’m a divorced mother of two and I love my children more than anything in the world; they are my greatest gifts. Everything I do and work towards has been for them . . . . oddly enough they’ve helped me to become a better person.

I’m very ambitious and it is the reason I’ve gotten so far in my career at a younger age.  My career has always been a big part of my life.  I’m passionate about my work and see my work as a reflection of myself so I always give 110%.

Danyell - Work

I’m always going to strive for greatness and will never be content with settling.  That can really throw some people off because once I accomplish one goal it’s on to the next, but that’s just the way that I am.

I want to be able to change the world.  Even though I’m only one person I feel like I can make a difference.  My all-time favorite quote is “You must be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ~Gandhi.

I love the beach (I am a water child).  Anything having to do with the beach is very relaxing to me.  I have a laid-back personality and it’s pretty difficult to make me angry but when and if you ever do . . . watch out!

I’m definitely a girly girl but I don’t mind getting down and dirty either.  I’m a very affectionate person and a hopeless romantic.

A couple of goals I have in this life are to write a book or books and have them published and sell well of course!

Danyell 5

 How long were you married? 

I was married for 6 years. I didn’t get married thinking it would end in divorce, but unfortunately it did. 

What are the qualities that you are looking for in a man and what type of relationship do you want your dating to lead to?

Danyell 7I am not getting any younger.  At this point in my life I don’t want a ton of men in and out of my life and potentially my children’s, so I am looking for something serious (not right away of course), but something that would eventually lead to a long-term relationship.  I’m not looking for a fling or casual dating but someone who is serious about having a family down the line.

It’s important that the man who I end up with understand that he doesn’t have to be a father to my children but I would expect him to eventually love my children like they were his own.  Honesty and loyalty are at the top of my list.

I want someone who I can talk to for hours on end and it never gets old, someone who isn’t closed-minded and sees the bigger picture in life and in our relationship.  I need someone who will not only tell me he loves me but more importantly, show me.  Quality time is big on my list and it’s actually my love language.

I also want someone who isn’t afraid to take risks, ruffle a couple of feathers, and be spontaneous every once in a while.  I believe in keeping things interesting and for me spontaneity is a way to accomplish that.

I need a man who can stand up for himself and not let people walk all over him.  I need a man with great morals and values.  I’m open to men with and without children but they have to be okay with me having children.  I’m open to men from all walks of life.  I’d like to keep my options open, think outside of the box.  Who knows? Maybe I’ll find someone phenomenal!

ASG 191 x 200 ASwirlGirlAll right, now!  If Danyell seems like a lady you’d love to meet, send an email to Profiles@TheSwirlWorld.com and we’ll make an introduction. 

Want to be profiled here on the blog and on our Facebook page? Contact us via inbox on Facebook or send an email to Profiles@TheSwirlWorld.com.

 Copyright © 2013 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, All rights reserved. Photos used with permission.

 

 

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Filed Under: Swirling Singles, Uncategorized Tagged With: Black women, Black. White, career, children, Danyell Huffman, dating, divorced, Gemini, interracial, interracial dating, interracial marriage, interracial relationships, interracial romance, Mother, swirling, Swirling Single

Meet Our Youngest Swirlers (They Started Dating At 16!)

March 24, 2014 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 3 Comments

One of the things we love most about The Swirl World is the fact that our Swirlers come in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities – and ages.

Some people start Swirling later in life, others claim they’ve been Swirling from the cradle (well, almost).

Today in our continuing series on “Extraordinary People . . . Extraordinary Love” we’re excited to introduce you to the youngest Swirlers we’ve profiled.

Meet Erika Ragans and Jeanpaul Font-ayala!

Erika and Jean 6

Where do you live?

We live in our home town of Jacksonville, Florida. Florida is my birthplace while Jean’s is Puerto Rico. We both go to school but I’m part time because of my full-time job. Jean is a fulltime student.

How long you have been together?

Jean and I are both 20. We’ve been dating 4 years.

Erika and Jean 1

How/where did you meet?

Jeanpaul and I met in high school.  He says he always had a crush on me but didn’t make a move until my boyfriend moved to Texas.

I love telling people about our first date because it was also the first time my Mother meet him. When she first saw Jean, she actually refused to let me go with him because he looked about 30 to her – we were both 15 at the time!

Erika and Jean 2

What was your defining moment – that moment when you each knew you were in love?

Erika: I knew I was in love with Jean when on vacation I wanted to go down to the pool for a quick swim. Jean agreed and we went, but after we got out of the water I realized Jean was covered in red bumps. Turns out his skin is really sensitive to changes in temperature so first the water, and then the cold air made him break out. He knew it would all along – he went swimming just because he knows I love to swim!

Erika and Jean 3

Jeanpaul: I fell in love when we were both standing in front of a mirror. I looked at her and thought, I want to be with her for a very long time.

How did you families and friends respond to the news of your relationship? How did you handle it?

Jean’s family had no real feeling about our relationship but later on when his mother saw how serious we were getting she got a little worried. My family wasn’t that shocked since I’ve never really dated someone my race.

What do you like most about your mate?

Jean: I love Erika’s personality and the fact that she’s willing to work through any of our problems.

Erika: The thing I love most about Jean is that he will always do his best to make me happy.

What advice would you give to others who are interested in dating/marrying interracially?

Our advice for people who want to date or marry someone who is a different race is this: forget skin color – just be with whoever makes you happy!

Erika and Jean 7

Erika and Jeanpaul – we’re happy you made that discovery at such a young age!

Swirl on.

 

Want to be profiled here on the blog and on our Facebook page? Contact us via inbox on Facebook or send an email to Profiles@TheSwirlWorld.com.

 Copyright © 2013 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, All rights reserved. Photos used with permission.

 

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Filed Under: BW/WM, OPEL, Series, Special Tagged With: 15, 16, Black women, Black. White, dating, Florida, high school, interracial, interracial dating, interracial marriage, interracial relationships, Jacksonville, love, Mother, Puerto Rico, swirl, swirling, teenage, teenagers, teens, white, young

An Awww! Moment

September 21, 2013 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 10 Comments

KeepCalmStudio.com-[Crown]-Keep-Calm-And-Be-Surprised

Drove up to my parents’ house this morning and saw a flurry of balloons tied to the posts.

This sign was on the porch (personally hand-lettered by my Mother) :

photo (7)

Needless to say, I was in tears.

I love my family!

Join in the Fray: When was the last time someone surprised you?

Copyright © 2013 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, All rights reserved.

 

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Filed Under: Announcements, Keep Calm, Special, Uncategorized Tagged With: celebrate, celebration, dissertation, Doctor of Philosophy, Mom, Mother, PhD, sign, surprise, surprised

Jeff Goins’ “Slow Down” Challenge – Day 2

August 13, 2013 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 2 Comments

MP900402507

So yesterday I mentioned blogger and author Jeff Goins over at Goins Writer issued a “Slow Down” Challenge.

This is Day 2 of the Challenge. Today’s challenge from Jeff:

Challenge: Savor

Take your time with food today. If you’re the one who cooks in your home, spend more than the minimum amount of time preparing the meal. Slowly cut and cook each ingredient, imagining what they will taste like when blended.

When you eat, chew slowly. Make each bite intentional and deliberate, counting to at least 20 before swallowing. As you do, remember to appreciate and enjoy all the flavors in the food. And above all, remember to smile between bites.

Why This Worked Especially Well For Me

Many of you know that I’ve been doing a “Vegetarian ‘Till 6:00,” which is an adaptation of Mark Bittman’s Vegan Before 6:00. I’d already been trying to make sure I slowed down to eat, taking tiny bites so I could enjoy the flavors of the increased number of fruits and vegetables I’ve been eating.

Yesterday I enjoyed a “Meatless Monday,” and today was no different when I went home for lunch. I didn’t have anything fancy; just a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (I’ve gotten in the habit of eating one almost every day; usually for breakfast).

I deeply inhaled the smell of the peanuts and marvelled at how sweet the jelly smelled. I cut my sandwich on the diagonal, the way I always do. I enjoyed the sensation of the peanut butter sticking to the roof of my mouth – just like I used to do when I was a kid.

I’m reading Six Days by Harlen Coben, and when I “read for lunch” I normally multitask and read while I eat. Today, however, I didn’t pick up my book until after I’d finished eating – and even then, I sat still and just enjoyed the silence for five minutes before starting to read.

Several people came across my consciousness as I sat there in the silence; some experiencing different forms of bereavement, others who anticipated new ventures; my two brothers who have birthdays this month.

I said a prayer for each of them, and asked God to meet them at the point of their need. I experienced a quiet, peaceful lunch and was ready to go back and face the remainder of my work day.

Even now, I sit in quiet contemplation as I type this. I’m savoring a piece of colby-jack cheese  that I placed on a saucer of a set of dishes that my Mother gave me when I moved here.

I’ll admit it: The dishes are not even remotely my taste. Yet they make me smile every time I use them, if for no other reason than the fact that they are so like my Mother and so unlike me – and I’m good with that. 

PINK DISHES 4

I smile, and think about my wonderful, dear Mother.

I savor not only the cheese, but the moment.

Join in the Fray: What moments are you “savoring?”

I’m blogging every day this week in Jeff Goins’ “Slow Down” Challenge. Thanks for reading, and feel free to comment!

Copyright © 2013 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, All rights reserved.

 

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Filed Under: Blogging Challenges, Series, Special, Uncategorized, Vegan & Vegetarian Tagged With: Black women, Black. White, challenge, cheese, daughter, interracial, interracial marriage, interracial relationships, Jeff Goins, moment, Mother, plate, savor, slow down

Swirling With Latin Men: What to Expect

May 3, 2013 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 25 Comments

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-smiling-latin-man-image10598470

 

I’ve received some queries in the inbox concerning Swirling with Latin men.

Shucks, I wanna know more about that myself!

Guest blogger Miranda Santiago gives us the inside scoop:

Oh yes. You’ve seen them on TV or in the movies or on stage. Latinos!

Who can blame you for being love struck? With their perfect complexion, dark hair and irresistible accent no woman in her right mind would want to pass on such a man. Besides, you’ve heard they are very family oriented and hold to strong traditional values.

Well, before you race off to corral one of your own, let this Latina fill you in on what to expect.

Latinos come from a culture that places a lot of emphasis on the man taking the lead in a relationship where the woman is dependent on him. This is not always the case but it is the culturally handed down norm. Let me fill you in on some of the specifics.

What frightens them

Latinos are often intimidated by successful women. The men feel they must be the breadwinner. It is a cultural expectation, a generations old custom instilled in boys from a young age. All of their traditional role models are of men that make the money and of women that stay home and cook the dinner.

If you are a successful woman who has the earning power to take care of yourself, watch out. Your Latino beau may at first seem indifferent to your earning power, but later in the relationship it may become an issue.  However, thankfully in this country that stereotype is being broken down one successful woman at a time.

This is not to say that all Latin men are machistas. That is, not all of them buy into the custom of being tough and in control. However, masculinity is important to them. But thankfully, as time passes men are becoming less bound to those old expectations.

What they like

Before you take the initiative and make the first move – Stop. That Latin eye candy you’re fixating on will prefer being the one to make the first move. However, don’t let that stop you from dropping those flirtatious signals.

Very likely, your Latino man grew up with women who were very supportive of him, sometimes passionately so. He will expect the same from you. When he talks to you about something in his life, he expects your support and not necessarily your advice.

He will like someone who reminds him of his mother. Being family oriented on your part is a big plus. If you want this relationship to move to the next level, you should want children, because he will.

Family matters

That Latino man you have your eye on was likely raised in a large extended family where he has plenty of female relatives which he will compare you too. Family is very important, so if you are dating a Latino man expect to be around his family as well. His relationship with his mother is very close. It would be to your advantage to get on her good side. But also remember that he will very likely compare you to his mother.

Latinas are very supportive of their sons and brothers; so cultivating a close relationship with the women in the family is important. You can expect to spend a lot of family time together.

There you go. This is what you can expect from dating a Latino. Enjoy!

 

Miranda SantiagoMiranda Santiago has a degree in Psychology from Boston College and is now a freelance writer who covers dating topics, specifically Latin dating. Apart from writing, Miranda enjoys windsurfing, playing the piano and cheering on her favorite baseball teams.

 

 

 

Join in the Fray: Latin men: Hot, or not?

Copyright © 2013 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, All rights reserved.

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Filed Under: BW/WM, Guest Blog, Inspiration Daily 2015, Special, Swirling Singles, Uncategorized Tagged With: Black women, dating, dreams, family oriented, goals, Hispanic, interracial, interracial dating, interracial marriage, interracial relationships, Latin men, Latino, love, Mother, sisters, swirling

What About Mom?

April 24, 2013 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway 12 Comments

two golden rabbits sitting

I received an inbox today from a guy who reads the blog.

Thankfully, he’s enjoying the blog, but he wonders why I talk about my Dad all the time, but don’t say very much about my Mother.

I was able to refer him to a previous post I made about my Mother and the blog – and the fact that she’s not at all keen about being a topic of discussion.

Lest anyone think I don’t give her equal time, I’m sharing a note she wrote to my Dad concerning their joint obsession: Rabbits.

(At this point, I’m swearing you to secrecy. You have to promise you won’t tell her I posted this. *Snickering*).

Kozzi-white-easter-bunny-1591 X 2387

 

Mom and Dad have some pet rabbits that they treat like celebrities. It’s cute to see them share this fondness for those critters even though I believe my Mother takes it way too far. They each have their individual time of checking on the rabbits, and at least once a day they go look at them together.

*Rolls eyes*

Before I gag, check out this note my Mother wrote my Dad:

MOMS NOTE ABOUT RABBITS (2)

Did you read that last line? See what I mean about my Mother taking this rabbit thing too far? 

SMH & LOL!

Join in the Fray: What’s your obsession?

I’m blogging every day in the month of April for BlogHer’s NaBloPoMo Challenge. Thanks for reading and do leave a comment!

Copyright © 2013 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl™, The Swirl World™, All rights reserved.

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Announcements, NaBloPoMo Challenge, Series, Special, Uncategorized Tagged With: Black women, Black. White, BlogHer, cabbage, Dad, Father, feed, feeding, interracial, interracial dating, interracial marriage, interracial relationships, leaves, Mom, Mother, NaBloPoMo, pets, rabbits, secrecy, secret, swirling, vegetables

Sibling Revelry

January 18, 2013 By Michelle Matthews-Calloway Leave a Comment

I had a pretty weighty post all set to go today, yet I decided to forgo it because of all the heaviness resulting from my Aunt Bert’s demise. (There’s plenty of time to be melancholy and morose; today is just not going to be that day).

Instead, I realized that yesterday’s post included a photo of my older brother and me at ages 3 1/2 and 2, respectively. My baby brother had either just been born or was about to come on the scene. 

Either way, no post about my siblings and me is complete without including a photo of the three of us:

Keith, Michelle, and Tony - Christmas morning, 19??

Keith, Michelle, and Tony – Christmas morning, 19??

I remember this photo; it was taken in Germany. We were happy and bursting at the seams because it was Christmas morning and we were about to open our presents.

I look at this photo, and thankfully, I’m still happy. My siblings are yet with me, and I recognize that I am profoundly blessed.

 

(Am I rocking that hair roller, or what???)

Join in the Fray: What childhood or sibling memory still makes you happy?

I’m blogging every day in the month of January in Blogher’s NaBloPoMo Challenge. Thanks for reading, and feel free to comment!

Copyright © 2013 Michelle Matthews Calloway, ASwirlGirl, All rights reserved.

 

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Filed Under: NaBloPoMo Challenge, Series, Uncategorized Tagged With: Aunt, birht, Black, Black. White, BlogHer, brother, Christmas, dating, death, Father, funeral, happiness, interracial, interracial dating, interracial marriage, interracial relationships, life, love, memorial, Mother, NaBloPoMo, parents, sadness, sibling, sister, swirling, Uncle

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I’m Michelle Matthews-Calloway, and I’m A Swirl Girl! Greetings to you from The Swirl World. We encourage Black women to expand their relationship options by dating and marrying interracially. Our overarching mission is to see Black Women live their best life. Come Swirl with us in The Swirl World™, where we celebrate Black women and the diverse men who love us!™

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