Ah, Throwback Thursday—a perfect time to reflect on past experiences, particularly those that remind me just how far I’ve come. Let me take you back to a moment that now feels like a red flag waving in the breeze, but at the time, I almost missed it. It was during my rebound phase, and I found myself spending time with a guy who, looking back, I’m pretty sure had some serious issues with tolerance. Honestly, I can now say I dodged a bullet, and boy, am I grateful for it.
The Movie Night Moment
We were at his place, settling in for a low-key movie night, and the inevitable question popped up: “What do you want to watch?” You know, the classic back-and-forth over movie preferences. I suggested a film I loved, one I thought we could both enjoy. That’s when he casually dropped a line that stopped me in my tracks: “I don’t watch Black movies.”
Wait, what? I froze, wondering if I had heard him right. My brain raced, trying to comprehend that, yes, this guy had just refused to watch a film based solely on the race of its cast. I sat there, processing his casual intolerance, while he mumbled a half-hearted attempt at backtracking. But the damage was done. The discomfort lingered, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a giant red flag, flapping in the wind, demanding my attention.
Fast Forward to Black Panther
Years later, when Black Panther hit theaters, I couldn’t help but think about that moment. There I was, sitting in the theater, surrounded by excitement and pride, knowing that this guy was probably scrolling through his feed, seeing the buzz, the rave reviews, and maybe—just maybe—realizing what he was missing. It’s funny, though. I knew I wouldn’t be there to share that moment with him, and truthfully, I was more than okay with it.
Choosing Self-Respect Over a Rebound
It didn’t take long after that movie night for me to realize we were not on the same wavelength. That experience was a wake-up call. It wasn’t just about finding someone new; it was about recognizing when I needed to stand firm in my values. I learned that sometimes, dodging a bullet looks like a seemingly small moment—a throwaway comment that reveals everything you need to know.
So, here’s to that lesson. Here’s to dodging bullets, recognizing red flags, and choosing self-respect over settling for less. ✌️💖
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