“Don’t forget the graphic.” “Smile, so you don’t have RBF.”  “Get to the point, so you get to the fourth question.” “Sit up straight so your boobs aren’t on the table.”  “What’s my first line again?”  “Be clear, concise.”  “Not too much about New York or Black folk. This isn’t a New York or Black ...

Dear Demetria: Help me out, D. I was dating a woman long distance, and things started to head into relationship territory pretty fast (three months). I felt pressured and basically stopped hitting her up as much and being less responsive to slow things down. She reacted terribly and cut me off for being inconsistent. I ...

Dear Demetria: “A guy I was in an abusive relationship with owes me money. We lived together and he didn’t uphold his part of the bills. We got evicted. He says that he will pay back the money, but only if I see/meet up with him. What are your thoughts? (He owes thousands.)” —Anonymous The ...

  Dear Demetria: My boyfriend of four years nags me about the same thing: my work schedule. I work long, sometimes outrageous hours, but I love my job. He can’t get past it and sometimes argues with me via phone when I work late, other times in my office (door closed). Other than this, our ...

Dear Demetria: “My boyfriend of four months was supposed to come to my parents crib [for Thanksgiving] and he never did. I was embarrassed because I told my mom he would [come]. It’s important to me to meet his people and vice versa, but he acts hesitant. We’ve had issues before where he kind of ...

  Dear Demetria:  I am against cheating. I won’t do it, but it feels like I haven’t truly lived. I went to school, got married, had a baby. I feel like my husband’s had a full life. He’s traveled all over the world, done two deployments and is settled. I haven’t even started. I feel ...

I stopped by Essence, my former home, to share dating and relationships tips with Essence.com viewers. Click the link to view the ...

  Dear Demetria: I’m dating a guy I met through a friend. She introduced him as a friend only but admitted that she used to find him attractive. When he approached me about spending time, I asked her if it was cool and she said, “Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?!” He later tells me ...

Dear Demetria: My boyfriend cheated and abandoned me and my kids. I didn’t even know he was leaving. I came home and his things were gone. I started dating a great guy, but after a year my ex has returned and wants to get married. The new guy has been there for that year, helping ...

Dear Demetria: My fiance told me to pick out an engagement ring. We found one that we both liked and was within the budget. He asked for specifications and pictures. I sent them to him. I asked if he was going to get it and he said I would get what I wanted. Now I ...