I get alot of flack for watching reality TV, especially shows like Love and Hip-Hip Atlanta. Apparently, I am too smart to be watching such trashy TV and my time would be better spent watching Don Lemon tell black people what is wrong with them. Don’t worry people…I have a DVR! I can be ratchet for an hour and then get classy and educated and watch CNN. But seriously, Reality TV has replaced soap operas…you can’t make this stuff up. Although, it may be slightly guided, this is their real life. I can’t help but tune in. What I can do is learn from the embarrassing things that these people air out on national TV. Yes, you can learn from Reality TV…in fact you can learn valuable life lessons. I know I did! Check ’em out!
10.Know who your friends are. These friendships on #LHHATL are something else. I know that there are ups in downs in friendships, just like any other relationship, but I find it hard to believe that some of these women on the show have been friends for “years”. If you don’t like someone and you are my friend…then I don’t like them either! No, I don’t have to be confrontational and extra…butttt, you won’t find me at lunch with them either. Please be careful who you call your friends and don’t be afraid to let some of your so called friends go.
9. You can’t change someone who doesn’t want to be changed. Erica thought the engagement would change Scrappy, Joseline thought that Steebie was going to change for her because she was good in bed different. People always show you who they are you need to believe them the first time.
8. Conflicts happen, resolve them. One thing I do like about LHHATL is that the cast always tries to make up with each other. I know that it’s probably because Mona wants them to break out into a fight, but still the effort is there…kinda. I really admire K.Michelle for apologizing and making up with everyone before she left for her the new show. She resolved all of her issues, so as not to leave bad blood behind. That’s the spirt K!
7. Men almost always want something in return. Steebie buys Mimi a brand new BMW, Benzino offers to pay for Karlie’s boob job re-do, but they only do it to get something in return…generally, something sexual. You can take the gifts if you want, (I know I have before), but be aware of what can come after that. All I know, I wish somebody would ask me for some lettuce because he bought me something…it would be so on! “Thank you for my gift boo” will suffice.
6. Never do business with a former lover. Traci and Mimi both did this. These men will do anything to keep you in their back pocket. Steebie runs to MiMi every five minutes to bring her the 10% she earned from the Puerto Rican Princess’ appearance fees and Traci handed over thousands of dollars to Big Drew…and he lost it. These men don’t want to be in business with you. They want to give you the business at their convenience.
5. It’s important to have your own money. As a feminist, I almost fainted when Karlie basically prostituted herself on national TV, in order for Benzino to pay to have her botched boob job repaired. Never put yourself in a position to where you need a man to help you with your basic needs or a breast re-augmentation. Keep some coins stashed in your savings account and keep your credit A-1 so that you can go gets your boobs fixed in private using your own funds!
4. Be careful who you date. Everyone always says, “Have fun! Date different kinds of guys!” I agree…to a certain extent. Be careful who you date. Some people just aren’t worth your time and in the end you will be left with a broken heart and emotional baggage he left behind.
3. Practice safe sex. I’m so glad I practice, the safest form of safe sex: Nosexatall , (“pronounced no sex at all” ; it’s not a real word I made it up and it’s still pending review on Urban Dictionary Lol). ‘Cause chile, these men on Love and Hip Hop are enough to have me swearing of men forever! If you are going to date losers, please be sure to practice safe sex, the last thing you want to do is bring a child into this mess! If Scrappy, Steebie, or Kirk was my father, I’d be embarrassed at their behavior and pissed off at how they treated my mother.
2. Move on. These women have been in these, umm, err…situations with these men for years…with the exception of Karlie and Joseline. You mean to tell me a man did you wrong 5+ years ago and you still are running after him, worried about who he is with (Traci)? You have children now! Invest your time in them and invest time in yourself! You can’t find a good man worried about the one who did you wrong.
1. He who finds a wife, finds a good thing. Proverbs 18:22 I’m a feminist, I believe in breaking gender norms and all that, so this is not bashing Joseline for proposing. I seriously applaud Joseline for that, it took guts and I know that I wouldn’t be able to do that. The bible does say, HE who finds a wife…but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he has to propose. It does mean that he needs to be equally committed and want in on the relationship though…that life partner shitaki is for the birds. Steebie definitely wasn’t. Scrappy wasn’t ready. And Kirk doesn’t even take his marriage seriously.
I be trying to tell people, reality TV is deeeeeppp! Do you watch Love and Hip Hop Atlanta? What is one lesson that you learned?
19 thoughts on “10 Life Lessons Learned from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta Season Two, #LHHATL”
one lesson I have learned from LoveAndHipHopATL is if a man isn’t ready it is nothing you can do to make him ready…. If you want a relationship and he doesn’t MOVE ON… You have to focus on you…and not trying to change you for them…. If he was ready you would know….
That’s a great lesson to have learned!
GREAT LESSONS!!!
What a great post! I too am guilty of indulging in trash tv. LOL Gotta love it right!
Ms. Taylor,
You are so wise; yet so young. I am a reality TV expert/ fan as well.
I totally agree with #6 – having your own money. Karlie should have been ashamed to be on the TV asking a man for money for something so private yet personal. At her age, she should slit her wrist.
I don’t know about the slitting her wrist part…but she should be embarrassed. I hope she doesn’t come back next season.
I have another comment. I have to comment on doing business with former lovers. The key word is lovers. If these men didn’t commit to you during the relationship, why on earth would they commit to a business plan? I mean, I know people who have been married for years and keep all business separate, even checking and savings account are separate. What are these women thinking? Where are their mothers? Have they not listened to anyone or am I to believe no one has ever told them anything? What a disgrace!!!
You are so right!
I totally agree with most of the things that you said, but as far as not liking someone because someone else doesn’t, is so high school. I don’t agree with that.
Another lesson that can be learned is “When someone shows you who they are, believe them!” Joseline saw how Stevie treated MiMi…he cheated and never committed. Like you said, she thought that coo would get him but child please! He will never marry her because she was too damn easy! Also, she shouldn’t have done all that crying and trying to jump on him. Give him the damn ring back, walk out and cry in the damn car. I wouldn’t have given him or Mimi the satisfaction!
It’s not that I hate their guts, it’s just that if someone is genuinely your friend and you have and they have an issue with another person, I don’t see how you can sit there and be buddy buddy with someone who hurt your friend.
I totally agree with all of your lessons, but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is to never, I mean never date anybody in or associated with the “hip-hop” industry!
Girl…these industry men! Lawd!! Lol
Great insights Taylor. I totally agree, People should realize that although reality tv does have a rather brash delivery at times, it delivers some key life lessons!!
You are absolutely right PR Paige!! That is why I tune in to my reality shows like clock work…I’m learning honey! Lol
If someone doesn’t want to change they won’t. Truth!
Yass God!! That is the sho’ nuff truth!
Oh I’ve never watched the show but it sounds kinda great!
xo
styleontheside.com
Watch it if you have a chance! Thanks! 🙂
I call them “ratchet mondays” thats when all the ratchet shows come on hahahaha! I dont know why i continue to watch smh
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