Finesse Helps You Find Your Match
Whether you love button-downed brothers with briefcases or bad boys with oversize diamond earrings, ESSENCE columnist Finesse Mitchell explains how to find your Mr. Right. Read on to find out whether your ideal mate is waiting for you at an outdoor jazz festival or in a Las Vegas nightclub.
*Statements throughout this gallery do not necessarily reflect the behavior or opinions of the individuals pictured.
The Baller
Jamie Foxx
You’ll Find Him
In hot Las Vegas nightclubs at 2:00 A.M. or gyms so swanky they employ their own DJs.
The Perfect First Date
A few rounds of miniature golf. They love mixing romance with a little physical competition.
The Baller
Ludacris
A Good Pickup Line
“Football? That’s such a rough game!” What he hears: “You’re so brave and strong!”
How to Reel Him In
It’s the cool cutie who plays the good-friend role and brings order to his life without stressing him that usually wins his heart.
The Suit
Hill Harper
You’ll Find Him
On the golf course or in Barnes & Noble trying to get his book autographed by Cornel West.
The Perfect First Date
The theater or heading off to wine country to find the perfect cabernet. He’s high-class and highbrow.
The Suit
Tavis Smiley
A Good Pickup Line
“Can you believe what the Asian stock market did today?”
How to Reel Him In
Black women typically think he “acts White.” Make him feel comfortable in his own skin: Don’t laugh when he does the Carlton dance.
Mr. Cool
Common
You’ll Find Him
Reading at the bookstore, performing at a spoken-word café, or marching at a rally.
A Good Pickup Line
“I hope Obama really makes a difference and doesn’t turn into just another politician.”
Mr. Cool
Laz Alonso
The Perfect First Date
Long walks in the park. Being nonmaterialistic means your boy is cheap.
How to Reel Him In
Assure him you also believe the truth is out there, and don’t ridicule any of his conspiracy theories—no matter how wild they seem.
True Believer
Tyler Perry
A Good Pickup Line
“So what did you get out of the Word today, Brother?”
How to Reel Him In
Don’t jump into bed too soon. Religious brothers are known to “try you,” but then make you think you’re Jezebel’s sister if you respond.
True Believer
Talib Kweli
You’ll Find Him
At church, an Earth, Wind & Fire concert or any outdoor jazz festival.
The Perfect First Date
At brunch or dinner and a movie. He loves the Lord and is laid-back.
Lovable Thug
50 Cent
You’ll Find Him
At the neighborhood hoop spot, on the corner, in the pool hall or in jail. Seriously.
A “house date” at your place. It’s free, and he won’t get caught by one of his other women.
Lovable Thug
Allen Iverson
A Good Pickup Line
“I still can’t believe HBO canceled ‘The Wire.’”
How to Reel Him In
Good girls want thugs and vice versa. Be the straight-laced sweetie who won’t judge his bad habits (but will show him a better side to life).
Be sure to pick up the February 2009 issue of ESSENCE for more tips from Finesse on finding your type.
