Let the battle of the sexes, hmmm… continue. It’s clear from popular culture that men and women are still from different planets and no book or marketing ploy will really eradicate that. But Think Like a Man (the book & movie) tries. If nothing else we can give Steve Harvey props for creating a cult book and a cute movie that manages to be funny, sexy and show the nuances (no matter how stereotypical) between men and women.
For all intents and purposes, Think Like a Man was a good movie. Comedian Kevin Hart was hilarious as the movie’s narrator and a cameo from Wendy Williams was a pleasant surprise. How she doin’! The storylines of each couple were endearing; my particular favorite pairing was Meagan Goode and Romany Malco. It was the kind of movie that made you root for each couple to find love in the end.
While the movie was a successful romantic comedy, some of the tenets and ideas presented left me with lots of thoughts….and none of them men-like. Just to be clear, I have never read the “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” book. See #42. It seemed like one of those common-sense ass books that are marketed to women and make us believe something is seriously wrong with us for being single…. see also “He’s Not that Into You”. Like really!
My personal feelings aside, here are some things I took away from the movie.
1. Think Like an Intelligent Woman with Common-Sense; Not A Man
All of the female characters were looking for fulfilling, loving relationships and what they’d been doing wasn’t working. Any smart woman knows that if what you’re doing isn’t getting you what you want, then you should try something else. If sleeping with men on the first date, isn’t getting you a relationship then stop sleeping with men on the first date. This doesn’t seem like man think as much as it is common-sense.
2. If you have to manipulate a man; do you really want him?
This question was running through my head the entire film. Not sure if I have an answer. What do you think?
3. 90 Days is not an absolute
Waiting to have sex is a worthwhile endeavor, as sex can cloud judgement and relationships. But who says the wait has to be precisely 90 days? I say, ladies, you know when you are ready. Whether it’s 3 dates or 3 months, listen to your own body and feelings and proceed. Just as having sex in 3 dates won’t guarantee a booty call status, withholding sex for 90 days won’t guarantee a relationship
4. Ladies need to have standards. Why thank you Steve Harvey for telling me something I didn’t know. #sideeye
5. No book, movie, holy grail or ancient tome can tell you exactly how to proceed in a relationship. Your intuition, desires and wants will do that for you
6. Does anyone else think Romany Malco is cute in an adult baby kind of way. I don’t know. Don’t judge me
7. What you tolerate is what you will get
People (men and women) will only do what you allow. If you’re not feeling your guy’s actions, let him know and draw the line at disrespect
8. Being a successful and powerful woman will NOT intimidate the RIGHT guy
9. Men want to be loved and have great relationships as much as women. Love is Universal!
Did you see Think Like a Man? What did you think of the movie?
I saw the movie with my husband and we really enjoyed it. I even asked him afterwards if the portrayal of the men in the movie was accurate and he very much agreed that it was.
Yes, everything you listed are things that women like you and I see as common sense. But one thing I’ve learned is that common sense is not common! LOL. I think the big takeaway from all of this besides what you listed is to remember that men and women think differently. We are socialized differently. A lot of times when I talk to girls around me, I sometimes remind him that their man doesn’t think like you do. Sometimes you have to see things from his prespective to get a clearer picture. That’s one big thing I learned from being with my husband for 8 years. Just as much as I need to be understood, so does he and once that understanding is there, then we can compromise and meet somewhere in the middle.
I agree with the commenter above: Common sense ain’t that common. I actually did read the book (I borrowed it from someone) and it was a good read. It didn’t really reveal anything groundbreaking. And in answer to your question, if you have to manipulate a man, you don’t want him. You should manipulate things, not people. Great post.
After constantly seeing think like a man, act like a lady quotes pasted everywhere on social media, I am so glad to read this! I have not read the book or seen the movie because I’m kind of offended that I’m being told to think like a man to get a man. As if the way men think is superior or something. Ridiculous. The sad part is I’m seeing so many girls think this movie or book is wisdom and advice to be taken literally.
I was so happy to read this! And I agree with everything Weesha said. Thank you for posting this!
I’m so glad you posted this as well, I too have NOT and will NOT buy a ticket for the movie, I’m sorry I agree with Weesha I always disagreed with the book and now the movie. Ladies we have to remember what our mother/grandmothers taught us. If a man wants you its NOTHING that will keep him away, and if he does not want you EVERYTHING will keep him away”‘ so again the book/movie is full of shit … reading or even looking at a movie telling me to not be a WOMAN is an insult …. .. ,, long time ago a female doctor told me when I ask her about “tampons” lol she told me to NEVER wear them … i ask her why she told me bc a “man” invented them LMBO … after that she explained to me how the hell can a man come up with a product for a female when he aint one! he doesnt know how it feel to stick something up us so why would you listen to him.. so in essence ladies cont to THINK , ACT LIKE A WOMAN …
and to MJ sweetie asking your husband a question that any man would answer yes to esp after looking at a movie that is boosting his man hood up was a wrong question to ask … of course he was going to say yes. BLOOP
-Ciao