A Case of that Ole De La Track
warning: heteronormative content; post includes generalizations that reassert certain gender stereotypes - reader discretion is advised

It's Friday night and I've decided to stay home (perhaps a sign of that hermit thing I was talking about before). Anyway, I'm content. It's going to be a relaxing evening. I've made myself a good, home-cooked meal of spaghetti, a nice salad, and about ready to eat when the phone rings. I take a look at the call display and it's a close friend, so I answer.

After the initial what's up, she gets right into it. Guy trouble. Damn. I pour myself another glass of red wine, sit back and listen. She breaks it all down for me.
"He's confused. But he seemed so cool with things. We got along so well. And you know I'm not that girl!"

It's true. Of all my friends, she is definitely not that type of girl to stress the person she's dating about relationship status. Simply put, she's chill. In fact, she's an amazing woman who has a lot going for her in every way (much like many, many of my single female friends).

So what's his deal?

To cut a long story short, this guy (who apparently is the closest thing to worthwhile) has confessed his inability to put time into the relationship.
"I'm in a selfish place right now. I'm sorry, I'm a wuss."

Yup, another one of those.

So her and I get talking about men [herein read: straight man] and the whole "selfish" thing. It seems that when it comes to taking the relationship to the next level, for certain dude's even just thinking about it freaks them out (in her case, she didn't even say a damn thing). For whatever reason, some guys can't handle the intensity of having a potentially amazing relationship - and they up and bounce. This guy is the case in point. Lucky for her though, he made his confession very early in the relationship - hence, saving her from some serious grief.

So what gives man?

Call me a romantic (or pathetic?) but I'm a sucker for that whole "you and me against the world" bit. I know you know what I'm talking about. That whole, "there's nothing we can't work out" myth that seems to be ingrained into the brains of many women [herein read: straight woman] I know. I mean, yes, women can be selfish too. We also get confused and freak out. But for the most part, it's like we've got the Musiq Soulchild blasting through our headphones:
"it will be just you and me against the world, yeah"
While the dude's are rhyming along to that old De La Soul track. Yes, you know the one...
"it's just me, myself and I"

So I tell my friend that, from one hip hop head to the other, the only half decent advice I can offer her is not to fall for that R&B crap, and just stick to the hip hop!

Speaking of which, where's my 3 Feet High and Rising tape at?