It’s official, Jay-Z and Beyoncè are… geniuses; super
geniuses. I know, I know, I know; usually when their names are spoken in the
same breath, speculation isn’t too far behind. However, being the maverick that
I am, I would like to be the first to thank them for giving best friends and
couples everywhere something to gauge their connections upon.
You are looking at the definition of a Power Connection. Their
business remains on their terms. You might see them together, but you’re not
getting anything more than a sighting. Superb.
Just like the smash single, they make each other better. For
example, in the video for “Upgrade,” pay close attention to Beyoncè’s
mannerisms; her grit, her cockiness and her swag are the clear and direct
result of the influence that Jay-Z has on her.
As for Mr. Carter, having Ms. Knowles as somewhat of a protégé has to be the
ultimate motivator to push forward. Also, pay close attention to his smile;
whether Beyoncè is just his good friend or so much more, part of his sunbeam
has her name all over it.
They also share a common mentality/work ethic. In the summer
of ’06, I had the opportunity of meeting the legendary Will Smith and his amazing
wife Jada Pinkett-Smith at a Juvenile Detention Center in Philadelphia. Will,
Jada and friends gave passionate speeches, spreading the message of positive association
to the troubled youth in attendance.
Will broke down to his listeners that they are only as
strong as the five people they associate themselves with on a daily basis. You
couldn’t be more correct, Mr.
Smith. It is your choices in
association that will determine whether you’ll be a productive individual or
counter-productive individual. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Imagine what it must be like to have Jay-Z and Beyoncè
sitting down together, brainstorming about potential business ventures, product
endorsements, taste-making and trend-setting. This is how the rich gets richer.
As long as they continue to have each other’s back, their backs will be the
only body parts their competition will see.
Switching speeds a bit, I want to jump back into the first
point that I made in regards to having a Power Connection. Your neighborhood,
the internet and the entire world for that matter isn’t entitled to knowing all
of your business. It’s almost as if people are playing hot potato with fresh
information these days – like your tongue will skydive from your mouth if you
don’t run it. I’d like to call this verbal epidemic, 100 meter dash mouth.
For example, if you’re a woman who has a good man, there’s
nothing wrong with speaking of the way that he treats you to others. Maybe you
like the fact that he massages your back without expecting a sexual favor, or
that he calls you his Sweet Pumpkinsmacks. Who wouldn’t? But realize that once
you go beyond the mental and/or spiritual praises, you just might be opening up
a door to current or future dilemma.
Let’s be truthful, your close friend is not going to run off
with your boyfriend because he calls you Sweet Pumpkinsmacks. Who would? However,
your close friend might secretly push up or pray on your downfall if you speak
of his soft kissable lips or other intimate things. This also goes for the
sharing of explicit photographs.
Think of it this way, a California brush fire that destroys
thousands of acres in its path often begins with the smallest spark. So if
you’re willing to start the fire, you can’t complain when your home is reduced
to the size of a toothpick.
I know what you’re thinking… “That’s my close friend, I
should be able to talk to them about anything – it’s not my fault if I told
them how often I get ‘put to bed,’ they still shouldn’t step in on my
territory.”
Well I have four words for you: Better safe than sorry.
100 meter dash mouth can also put you in a bad predicament
if you give too much information about your ex-beau to your potential beau.
Yes, gaining some information or giving out some information about why a
previous relationship didn’t work out could prove helpful to both parties. However,
what you don’t want to do is give information that could render you vulnerable.
For example, a young man just had his heart broken by his
ex-girlfriend. She not only slept with his best friend, she’s stolen money from
his mother’s home and subjected him to mental abuse. After taking a break to
re-evaluate what he wants out of life, he’s back on the market and immediately
meets a new woman. While getting to know one another, he makes the mistake of
divulging too much information in regards to his previous heartache. While
consoling him, she takes mental notes of what not to do in order to keep him
happy.
Well for those who’ve said, “I remember when you were so
good to me, but now,” you should know that the mask can’t be kept up for long.
By the time that the young man realizes that he has been manipulated, the birth
of a child and a one year engagement has sucker punched him in the stomach.
Yes, an example like this actually happens more often than you’d believe, from
either perspective.
The definition for what a friendship or a relationship
should embody has been altered over the past five years, and to a generation
that doesn’t know any different, the plunge into social obscurity will only sharpen.
Just like associations, words should be chosen wisely. Quality is what matters,
not quantity. It is ok to keep something for yourself, ultimately protecting
one of the greatest investments that you own – your heart.
Tips from The
Socialite
Words are best used in quality, not quantity. Be selective…We’re no longer on the playground where making a friend was
a game of tag away. Study the people that you hold close to you. Ask yourself
if they make you better, and vice-versa. Make sure that you’re on the same page with those who matter
to you. When real recognizes real and driven recognizes driven, you’re not only
on the same page, your story of success shall be written with the same pen.If you don’t want your business to be out in the streets or
used against you, don’t trust anyone with it.
