I recently wrote an article called "The Lease Agreement: An Approach to Modern Day Dating," and one of my readers suggested that I provide a continuation of my thoughts. I gave the reader’s suggestion a lot of thought and decided to create a Part 2. I listen to a lot of music from different genres: rap, gospel, R&B, neo-soul, etc. Rap is my least favorite, but I listen to it sometimes because I am a creative non-fiction writer, and I understand its purpose is to tell a story. When I do listen to it, the songs don’t usually talk about the mushy, romantic stuff I like to hear, so for this article, I decided to research rap songs that discussed dating, and to my surprise, I came up with one after a couple of hours.
If you are over the age of 35, hopefully you have heard of the rapper 50 Cent. He was very popular during the early 2000s. He brought a different flare to rap. A flare that not only captivated the attention of men, but it captivated the attention of women as well. In 2003, he released the song "21 Questions." The lyrics are quite catchy; the music video provides a vivid description of the questions he is asking, but the rapper is doing something else as well. He is dissecting the outcome of his mate’s loyalty to stay with him throughout the good and bad times.
When I think of rappers, I don’t necessarily think of them doing something like this. I’m not stereotyping them at all because I am aware they are humans too; however, I have never put much thought into them thinking about stuff like this. I was wrong to ever think this way!
Let’s go back in time for a minute. Join me and pause for a second to reflect. Ask yourself how many times you have created a specific list of questions to ask your potential mate over the years. I definitely ask my potential mates questions, but I can’t say I have always asked specific questions or should I say the right questions. If I had to count, I would say over the past 10 years I have created a specific list only three or four times. Listening to this song made me create a list, and hopefully, my list will be helpful to you the next time you meet someone who matches your desired potential.
1. Do you trust me enough to share your dreams?
2. Would you feel differently about me if I had four kids instead of one?
3. How would you react if I told you I had butt implants (not true, just a question)?
4. Are you more attracted to my education, personality, or physical beauty?
5. If you developed feelings for me, would you tell me or continue to hide them?
6. Do you want to travel to foreign places with me?
7. Would you support my dreams and aspirations even if you didn't agree with them?
8. Would you ever lie to me, hit me, deceive me, or be blatantly disrespectful to me?
9. Would you intentionally not tell me the whole truth because you thought you were sparing my feelings?
10. What do you think are the advantages/disadvantages of dating a woman like me?
11. Would you go to church with me and openly worship?
12. Would you ever be open to me developing a friendship with your children and you developing a friendship with my son?
13. What are your fears?
14. What do you consider your strengths/weaknesses?
15. What is your definition of failure, faith, commitment, and love?
16. How do you handle obstacles?
17. If you were granted the opportunity do any philanthropic act of kindness of your choice, what would it be and why?
18. How do view death and life?
19. What is the difference between reality, perception, and truth?
20. How has your life's experiences affected your present and future?
21. What do you think a woman's/man’s greatest strength should be?
