Food-for-Thought About Men and Women

Many women are so quick to say that men are dogs, cheats, liars, untrustworthy, etc. But what about how some women treat men? Do you realize how many hurting men that we have in this world? There are a lot of good men that have been hurt and damaged by women. Remember, men have feelings too. Be mindful of how you treat your man. If you have a good man, you should fully respect him. Don’t take him for granted. A real woman values what she has. She represents her man in every area of their relationship.

As a man, you should feel respected, loved, and supported by your mate. A woman should uplift you, not tear you down. A woman should hear you when you speak and not always feel like she has to have the last word. A woman who fully respects you will NOT be selfish. She understands that you’re a team. She has your best interest at heart and vice versa. She won’t say mean and hurtful things to you, apologize, and then do the same thing again. She won’t try to spend all of your money. No need to do that. She doesn't have any hidden agendas. She’s here to stay. She’s into you, not your money. She doesn't need to go out all of the time and be seen. She’s comfortable spending quality time with just you. She’s okay with you showing your sensitive side. It’s okay if you cry. She doesn't look down on you and think that you’re a weak man. She realizes that we’re all human and we all have feelings. She respects you for who you are. You’re a man. You’re her man.

You won’t have to go around looking for her. She’s not a runaround. She’s into one man and that’s you. One man is enough for her. She respects herself even when you’re not around. She’s the real deal. She’s what you call a “real woman.” I’ll say it again. Men, know your worth. You know what kind of woman you want by your side. Don’t go chasing everything in sight. Take your time to get to know her and, most importantly, pay attention to who she really is, not what she looks like. Physical beauty is not the most important thing. You want a woman that is going to truly love you for YOU! Choose wisely.


- Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet) 

HAPPINESS

Are you happy? Before you answer that question, I want you to really think about it. Are you TRULY happy within? You know the truth.


Do you pretend like everything is okay when others are around? Deep down inside, you haven't been happy for a long time. You don't want anybody to know what's really going on. I mean, you have an image to uphold, right? Why are you cheating yourself? Forget about image! Your happiness is more important than that.


Is it fair that you have to pretend, when on the inside, you feel lonely, unloved, and unappreciated? You're always there for others. You're always making things right. You're always the one others call on. You're always cleaning up other people's mess. And the list goes on and on. Enough is enough! You've got to get real with yourself. You've got to take good care of yourself. You've got to learn how to balance your life so that you're not putting yourself on the back burner. You're important! You count!


Please give this some thought. Life is a gift! It's time to unwrap that gift and start living for YOU! This is a new year. It's time for some changes in your life. LIVE! Be Free! Love Yourself! Be Strong! You can do it!


- Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet)

Parent-Teen Communication Questions to Ask Yourself as a Parent

Communication is so very important to have with your teen. Although you may be the parent, it's important for you to remember that YOUR teen has a voice too. It's extremely important for you to listen, and most importantly, communicate. Remember, there's a cause and effect to everything. If your teen is giving you a run for your money, it's time to get to the root cause of what's causing them to act the way that they do. You can't afford to ignore what is going on. I challenge you to ask yourself some questions.

Here are some examples: Does your teen feel loved by you? Does your teen trust you and feel safe? Does your teen feel like they can count on you? Does your teen feel important? There are SO many questions that you can ask yourself as a parent. I don't know about you, but I take parenting seriously, and I feel honored to be a parent.

Are you being the best parent that you can be? If not, it's time to step it up and get it right. It's never too late! Our teens need our guidance, love, and support. Teenage years are the hardest. Let your teen know today that you're there for them no matter what. Don't expect them to be perfect. Nobody's perfect, not even you. We ALL make mistakes.

I'll leave you with this: This is YOUR child. Don't give up! Don't lose hope. Be encouraged. Believe.


- Stephanie Lahart (Author & Poet)