"If I were you, I would do this…"
While this type of advice often comes from a genuine place, it can often be misguided wisdom especially when the person isn't privy to every detail pertaining to the situation.
On a recent episode of Love Is__ (one of my favorite shows on the OWN Network), "Angela" is adamant about the fact that "Nuri" shouldn't call "Yasir" in light of all that has transpired. Angela believes he's still living with his so-called girlfriend, and that he's not being truthful about his situation. For her, this is more than enough for Nuri to call it quits with Yasir.
However, unbeknownst to Angela, it's clear to Yasir and Nuri that they're destined to be together…and at the end of the day, that's all that really matters. While Nuri respects and appreciates Angela's insight and her friendship, she feels differently and is willing to take a risk despite how different and unexpected their lives seem to be at this point. Neither her, or Yasir, are willing to let this rough patch ruin what will ultimately be a lasting love story.
Shows like Love is__, Black Love Doc, and even Insecure (just to name a few of my favorites) are friendly reminders that even though your close family and friends may have the best intentions for you, they won't always know what's best for you. When it comes to making decisions in your life, there are times when you'll need to consult your family and friends, but there will also be times when you will have to trust your gut and rely on your inner spirit and intuition.
Hence, choose wisely who and when you seek advice from when it comes to these certain areas of your life:
Making Relationship Decisions
Contrary to popular belief, no two relationships are ever identical because all of us are different. Even though I've noticed many similarities between Yasir and Nuri's story and my own personal love story, there are still some significant differences between the two relationships. Not to mention the fact that it's a television show (even though it is loosely based on the true love story of acclaimed show creators and producers Salim and Mara Brock Akil).
Nevertheless, what might have worked for someone else's relationship may not necessarily work for your relationship, let alone even apply to your relationship. Many people make the mistake of trying to emulate their relationship experiences after what they see on Instagram, television, in the movies, or even in real life.
They fail to realize that love is possible in so many ways, and not every relationship will be the same.
For instance, some would venture to say that you can't meet the love of your life at the club, but I can't say that when the reality is that my husband and I met at the club. Is that rare? Probably. But was it possible? Obviously, since the rest is history. Plus, I know couples who met at church, the grocery store, on vacation, and I know couples who even met online.
I know couples who dated for 10 years then got married, and I know couples who got married after only dating for six months. I know couples who have children, couples who want children, and couples who don't want kids at all. At the end of the day, we're doing this love and marriage thing in different ways, but the commonality is that we're all doing what works best for us. The same should apply to your relationships.
Don't put love in a box. Trust the journey and trust God's timing. Besides, true love has a way of showing up packaged differently or arriving sooner or later than you expected…but when it arrives, it will be exactly what you want and need.
Making Career Moves
Some people may not understand you, or even believe you, when you tell them you're: starting a side-hustle, quitting your job, going back to school, starting a business, starting a blog, or you're changing careers. Truthfully speaking, your willingness to step out of your comfort zone can make others feel uncomfortable. Some people don't want to see you change because they're committed to remaining the same. Other times, people will unknowingly project their personal fears onto you and cause you to question your decision because they may not be as willing to step out on faith and take a risk.
All of us have different dreams, goals, and aspirations, which will ultimately lead us down different paths. Some people follow their passion, while others will follow the paycheck (or both). Some people stay dreaming, while others wake up and turn their dreams into reality.
Just like with our senses, everyone's vision isn't the same – literally and figuratively. So, some people will see the vision, while others might not see what you see, but don't let that keep you stagnant. It could very well be a sign that should move in silence anyway.
It's up to you – you can do what everyone else thinks or is used to seeing you do, or you can strive to do the very thing you know you've been called to do.
Making Geographical Moves
It's one thing to feel sad about someone moving away to another city, state, or even another country, but some people will make you feel so bad that they will convince you to stay merely for their own selfish reasons.
For many people, moving to a new place can be the perfect transition to help jumpstart a new chapter in life. Traveling and experiencing new places provides the opportunity to experience and see new things. It opens your eyes and imagination to more.
For me personally, my move to Atlanta wasn't just what I needed at that time in my life because of what I was going through, but it helped shift my mindset completely. Being that I was a small city girl from Lexington, Kentucky (I love my hometown), Atlanta was where I saw more people who looked like me and where I saw more opportunity.
Atlanta helped me to see myself as a proud, unapologetic, black, professional, and successful woman – a "go-getter" (or goal digger as I like to call it).
Even when I moved, I understood then that everyone wasn't going to get it, which is why I didn't consult a lot of people about the move. Only a few people knew about my plans because I didn't want to risk someone trying to discourage me or overwhelm me with the "what ifs" about something that I knew was the right decision for my life.
You don't have to get others to affirm what God has already confirmed, especially if it's not hurtful or harmful to you or anyone else. Remember, just because someone knows you, doesn't mean they know what's best for you.
Featured image via Love Is... / OWN
RELATED
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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While speaking to xoNecole, Eva shares that she’s a lot like the beloved 1994 character in many ways. “Lyric is so me. She's the odd flower. A flower nonetheless, but definitely not a peony,” she tells us.
“She's not the average flower you see presented, and so she reminds me of myself. I'm a sunflower, beautiful, but different. And what I loved about her character then, and even more so now, is that she was very sure of herself.
"Sure of what she wanted in life and okay to sacrifice her moments right now, to get what she knew she deserved later. And that is me. I'm not an instant gratification kind of a person. I am a long game. I'm not a sprinter, I'm a marathon.
America first fell in love with Eva when she graced our screens on cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model in 2004, which she emerged as the winner. Since then, she's ventured into different avenues, from acting on various TV series like House of Payne to starring on Real Housewives of Atlanta.
Je-Caryous Johnson Entertainment
Eva praises her castmates and the play’s producer, Je’Caryous for her positive experience. “You know what? Je’Caryous fuels my audacity car daily, ‘cause I consider myself an extremely audacious woman, and I believe in what I know, even if no one else knows it, because God gave it to me. So I know what I know. That is who Je’Caryous is.”
But the mom of three isn’t the only one in the family who enjoys acting. Eva reveals her daughter Marley has also caught the acting bug.
“It is the most adorable thing you can ever see. She’s got a part in her school play. She's in her chorus, and she loves it,” she says. “I don't know if she loves it, because it's like, mommy does it, so maybe I should do it, but there is something about her.”
Overall, Eva hopes that her contribution to the role and the play as a whole serves as motivation for others to reach for the stars.
“I want them to walk out with hope. I want them to re-vision their dreams. Whatever they were. Whatever they are. To re-see them and then have that thing inside of them say, ‘You know what? I'm going to do that. Whatever dream you put on the back burner, go pick it up.
"Whatever dream you've accomplished, make a new dream, but continue to reach for the stars. Continue to reach for what is beyond what people say we can do, especially as [a] Black collective but especially as Black women. When it comes to us and who we are and what we accept and what we're worth, it's not about having seen it before. It's about knowing that I deserve it.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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