Act Like a Lady...Think Like A Man

I was initially intending on splitting this post up, focusing on the book to start with, and then the movie. However, upon finishing the book over a fortnight ago, I realised that the characters in the movie are loosely based on the stereotypes in the book, and it'd be redundant to focus on one and leave the other. Having watched the movie 1st, I fell in love with the soundtrack and chemistry, far more than the plot. The storyline was fickle and humourous, but there was nothing below the surface. Yes, I could relate to one character more than the rest (Taraji's...but i hope i don't date an upcoming chef in future, i can't deal). It DID make me think about my flaws and the men I attract, but it wasn't pushing me to make any life-altering decisions.

 Shirt : Thrifted (originally Topshop Menswear) | Trousers : Thrifted (Croydon) | Heels : NEXT
The book presents men as simple textbook steroetypes. Steve Harvey's thesis is that all men live in search of their identity, which is career/money-centred. Once this goal is achieved, they have peace of mind enough to settle down with a girl/woman, and commit to planning a life around that union. What Steve Harvey fails to consider is the basic flaw; men are human, and no man is the same (just as all women are different). His reasoning behind publishing the book, was to enlighten females beyond the advice given by other ignorant female friends, and draw us to an understanding that men are one-track minded. However, what translates throughout the book is excuse- after-excuse for trifling, cheating, ignorant, non-attentive, irresponsible, ego-centric male behaviour.

 For starters, I do not believe men stray from conversations, and can personally attest to that. I once spent over 24 hours on the phone to an ex. That meant sleeping, showering, bickering, watching TV...everything....together on the phone for over a day! Having brothers (with a close enough relationship to quiz and question certain male characteristics that niggle at me), I am fortunate enough to know that men talk. I also have male friends who call/bbm JUST to gossip. Men don't LOVE to talk, but they do talk. They understand that they were given a mouth, and they are intelligent enough to use it from time-to-time.
Secondly, there should be no excuses for slipping. Just in the same way women are expected to keep their body right, and carry themselves like ladies, so also should men not to go for a wander once the situation starts to stale a bit. Also, whats all this excuse given for non-committal tomfoolery? If you are not ready to be IN a relationship, get OUT! Relationships are not by force. Yes, some women are enablers, but who is the root of the problem? I am not granting women excuses, and making the same authorial mistakes Mr Harvey made. However, I do want to point out that in the same way Steve presents men as basic creatures, so also must I call on experience & observation, to note that when a man wants something, he does everything in his power to get it. Women don't wanna 'ring the alarm' & watch another heifer swoop in & reap the fruits of our years of hard labour. But would you rather that or rot away for years in an unfruitful relationship?

Mr Harvey wrote, in my opinion, a basic flicker on his own experiences. I think the book is very much ethnocentric, and does not pertain to all men. No offence, but it's the simplest of minds that'll carry this book as a relationship bible. Having read last month's Cosmo, I'm forced to draw on the words of Zooey Deschanel & question why women of this generation fear being a woman. Why must we think like a man? Truth be told, the book carries much of the same words your (good) girlfriend would slap you with anyway, so I dunno where he's going on this eye-opening revelation front. The best chapter's the 'sports-fish vs...', other than that? *pulls out another novel* NEXT!
Onyxsta says....BLEURGH!! Looking like a baby, acting like a lady, steve's collated game plan, super shady...all a bit crazy. Xisses