I miss '90s black sitcoms. “Living Single” starred fictional Flava magazine publisher Khadijah James (Queen Latifah). James lived with her sweet and sometimes naive cousin Synclaire James-Jones (Kim Coles) and childhood friend sassy and classy Regine Hunter (Kim Fields) in Brooklyn, N.Y. Living in the same building were male counterparts handyman Overton ‘Obie’ Wakefield Jones (John Henton) and stockbroker Kyle Barker (Terrence ‘T.C.’ Carson). And who could forget James’ best friend who lived across the street unapologetic and feisty attorney Maxine ‘Max’ Felice Shaw (Erika Alexander). The show centered these six black friends as they navigated career success and maintaining a personal relationship.
“Living Single” was outlawed in my house. Although my parents never explicitly forbid my sister and me from watching, it was an unwritten rule due to the show's content. Mentioning the word sex made my mother gasp. Truthfully, most topics discussed in "Living Single" I didn’t understand. Sleepovers at my aunt’s house allowed my sister and me to sneak and watch the show. I remember staying up just to listen to the theme song, "In a 90s kind of world I’m glad I’ve got my girls.”
Watching “Living Single” now as an adult has taught me a few lessons:
1. Friendship
My mother always told me it’s important to have one or two excellent friends. Through friendships, you learn about yourself. Khadija, Max, Regine, Synclaire, Kyle and Overton offered diversity in perspective.
2. Compromise
Compromise but don’t sacrifice what makes you who you are. Be flexible, NOT malleable.
3. Have fun
Work hard so you can play harder. Don’t take yourself so seriously! Loosen up and make time for playtime.
4. Hard work does pay off
Sometimes, at times the long work hours do pay off, and the blood, sweat, and tears you put into achieving your dreams are worth it!
5. Singlehood
A nurturing and loving relationship with a spouse is important. But knowing how to be just with you is even more so crucial. Find someone who will add value to your life not subtracts from your equation. Standing in your truth, sticking to your morals and principals are defining characteristics.