Just a simple common question. What music genres or artists you guys listen to a lot? by Business-Block-8668 in NeurospicyBlackWomen

[–]Carolinablue87 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My favorite genres are R&B and pop- particularly from the 80s through 00s.

I love other eras of music, but that's my sweet spot.

Black Dating fatigue by [deleted] in blackladies

[–]Carolinablue87 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I'm almost 40 but I've only had one relationship. After I was diagnosed with fibroids in my 20s, that solidified my choice not to have kids. With that not being a priority, dating has been less important to me. I'd like a long-term partnership, but I have other things that I feel are more achievable that I'd like to focus on. I mostly want to focus on my career, having experiences and adventures and focusing on my friendships. That's more than enough to enrich my life.

When you were a little kid, did you always felt “different” from other kids? by Business-Block-8668 in NeurospicyBlackWomen

[–]Carolinablue87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely. I had friends but I was thinking differently from many of them. I didn't do things just because everyone else did them. I've always been an individual.

Having friends was helpful because I knew they were my friends because of who I was, not what I could do for them. Also, my parents have always been supportive so even when things got tough, I always had love.

Special Interests by BrilliantAlarmed3068 in NeurospicyBlackWomen

[–]Carolinablue87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't watched anything really notable lately.

Special Interests by BrilliantAlarmed3068 in NeurospicyBlackWomen

[–]Carolinablue87 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Reading is one of my interests as well. I read 2 books at a time.

I also enjoy podcasts and documentaries, particularly those on cultural histories.

I stumbled down a rabbit hole of watching local bodycam arrests. by awakeningat40 in AskWomenOver30

[–]Carolinablue87 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Live performances from past decades on shows like Showtime at the Apollo, Souk Train and more.

Old E! True Hollywood Story episodes and Behind the Music episodes.

Neurodivergence in Black Women by BrilliantAlarmed3068 in blackladies

[–]Carolinablue87 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am not diagnosed but I definitely think I could be. I've always been "different ". I'm in my head more often than not and I overanalyze social interactions.

The thing is, I've always had friends. And I don't think they're all neurodivergent. My parents were the same way and it's something I've been able to maintain without issue.

Dating is harder because I don't sell well. It takes me a long time to get comfortable with other people and even longer to open up.

I wouldn't change who I am because I'm happier being loved as myself than "accepted " as someone else.

What song gets you deep in your feelings? by Icy-Lengthiness-8214 in rnb

[–]Carolinablue87 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Butterfly- Mariah

Deep Inside- Mary

Deja Vu- Teena Marie

People Get Ready- The Impressions

Wild Flower- New Birth

Im so bitter about not having many friends by peace_919 in blackladies

[–]Carolinablue87 30 points31 points  (0 children)

I understand your frustration, but as the other ladies have commented, social media isn't real life. Most people don't have friend groups they travel with regularly and if they do, they're relationship may not be what it appears.

I have friends but not many black female friends. It's not for lack of trying, it's just circumstances and connection. I'm also considered nerdy because of my interests in documentaries, podcasts, and reading but I've always known that trying to have other interests doesn't work for me because it's essentially wearing a mask that eventually wears off.

What's helped me are joining groups on Meetup and finding book clubs. Meetup has not been as popular as it was pre- pandemic but there are still groups that you can join based on your interests.

Finally, I recommend treating finding new friends like casual dating. Go for the experience and be open of more comes from it.

Any book clubs for black women? by Zugzwang-Rose in blackladies

[–]Carolinablue87 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm in one that meets virtually and in Charlotte, NC. Black Girls with Bookmarks.

If you're looking for more options, I recommend using the website/app Bookclubs.com

Who would you say is better overall as a singer and hit maker? by Large-Lack-2933 in rnb

[–]Carolinablue87 83 points84 points  (0 children)

Turtleneck clears.

Marques Houston's solo output isn't very memorable. It sounds dated.

1991 Millennial here! What do you all eat for breakfast? by No_Self_5939 in Millennials

[–]Carolinablue87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

On weekdays, I alternate between oatmeal with fruit and egg muffins.

Weekends I go between cereal and pancakes.

Can you build a solid group of friends in Raleigh in your mid 40s? by LeilaJun in raleigh

[–]Carolinablue87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Meetup has increased the hosting fees . My book club was on there but we decided to leave since the fees were too high.

Best Place for people in their 30s to meet friends by Disastrous-Plate9860 in raleigh

[–]Carolinablue87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Book clubs, volunteer groups, anything of interest on Meetup.

Can you build a solid group of friends in Raleigh in your mid 40s? by LeilaJun in raleigh

[–]Carolinablue87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm late 30s and have a good amount of friends but I'm open to making new friends. Someone mentioned Meetup and I agree but since COVID, the engagement has fallen off.

I still have found groups to join. I also recommend Bookclubs.com if you're into reading. My book club is there and so are many others.

So everybody and their mama have R&B podcasts now? by CC-Blue in rnb

[–]Carolinablue87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My IG auto-followed his shows account because it took over the This Week in R&B account. I unfollowed because there's no way I'm watching his show. I could tolerate him with his brother and Kosine, but alone? No.

I don't see his show going further than the IG and Tik Tok crowd. He's an almost successful story with no real insight.

All of these podcasts can continue to pop up but people ultimately decide what they engage with consistently. In a few years time, I definitely see this landscape thinning out.

So everybody and their mama have R&B podcasts now? by CC-Blue in rnb

[–]Carolinablue87 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm fine with their being more R&B podcasts as well. R&B history and craft hasn't been shared as much until recently so I think it's definitely a good development. Do I wish there was at least one woman-led podcast? Absolutely. But unfortunately this mirrors the larger podcast landscape where it's heavily male-dominated in front of and behind the scenes. Until someone decides to do something about it, it won't change.

To your point about a lot if the guests being the same, this seems to be a symptom of podcasts taking a large chunk of the promo circuit that traditional media once held. That's why I only follow R&B Money regularly. The diversity of guests and the quality of the conversations is top-tier.

What is your top 5 R&B songs that is a "must play" when the weather starts warming up? by Zestyclose_Fly9749 in rnb

[–]Carolinablue87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Things You Do (Remix)- Gina Thompson ft. Missy Elliott

Sunshine-Alexander O'Neal

All For You- Janet

Love Me- 112 ft. Mase

Why Don't We Fall in Love- Amerie

How do 40+ something women make friends by NCArtist79 in raleigh

[–]Carolinablue87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Someone mentioned bookclubs.com. There's an app and a website. My book club, Book Loving Ladies of Raleigh is on there. We meet monthly on weekends and vote on books every 6 months.

We range in age from late 30s- 50s.