u/dramaticeggroll

I didn't grow up in the most functional family, but there are lessons that I'm proud of, like the importance of showing up for each other and finding ways around obstacles. And Caribbean hospitality has taught me a lot about being a good guest in someone's home. What's something from your culture or upbringing that you're proud of?

I'm in a phase right now where beliefs that used to help me, even small things like what I "can" wear, actually don't help me anymore, so I'm having to learn new ones. What's something you learned or unlearned that made your life better?

I have learned so much from my grandma, mom, aunt, and older friends and mentors about work, faith, money, fashion, cooking, and relationships. It's saved me from having to learn everything the hard way, even though I still have my hard-headed moments. What's the best advice you've received from older Black women?

I've gotten compliments on really hard days and they stuck with me. Sometimes, people just say the right thing at the right time. What's a compliment someone gave you that stayed with you?

I'm a recovering people pleaser and am working on saying no instead of just agreeing to everything and burning out. It's hard but I realize I feel lighter when I do that. And kind of proud of myself. What's a boundary you set that made a difference for you, big or small?

We're more than halfway through the year and I usually start feeling raggedy at this point. I like to perk myself up by celebrating wins, so please brag about yourself! What wins did you have this week?

I'm Caribbean Canadian and primarily get likes from West African men on dating apps. I am Christian, liberal, and not traditional (not into submitting to men or domestic duties). I also don't want kids and my profile says this.

They are handsome and in several cases, educated, which I really like. But my understanding is that most of them were not born here and I'm wondering about cultural compatibility.

A relative married a West African man and she seems very happy, so I know it's possible. But would love to hear other experiences. If you've dated a West African man as a non-African, what was it like? Were you culturally compatible?

I've always thought happiness was a constant state, but have been hearing people say it's more like a series of moments instead of something that's always on. So it made me curious what "happy" looks like for others. What does happiness look like for you on a day to day basis?

I am planning a visit and am considering staying in Kensington. My understanding is that it's a pretty nice neighbourhood. However, there are some nice neighbourhoods where I live that I prefer not to go in because they're not diverse and people make me uncomfortable when I do (staring and things like that). So I want to know if you feel comfortable there, or if there are better areas where I should stay as a Black woman (Canary Wharf is another option, but open to suggestions)? I am unambiguous-looking.

I want to cut my hair short. Wondering whether I will still need to braid it under wigs for it to lay flat?