Be sure to say this in your very best Antoine Dodson voice:

Hide yo' cash...Hide yo' credit cards 'cuz they takin' everything out here!


gold dig·ger (n.) -  a person who dates others purely to extract money from them, in particular, a woman who strives to be a wealthy or powerful man

With the recession taking longer to end than economists initially anticipated, people are very concerned with financial stability. Recently, I had a very entertaining conversation with a friend who brought to my attention that women, in particular, are doing all they can to ‘marry rich’.  Her stance was that no one can blame them for being concerned with their financial well-being and trying to secure their future.  Hmmmm...  
We all know women who get into relationships for the wrong reasons. They seek Mr. Right Now because he has status, material possessions or money.  Looks aren’t ever a factor.  When she has tapped that well dry she’s on to the next one.  She has been named ‘The Gold Digger’ to describe her ways. (I’m in no way saying that men don’t do the same thing.  I’m not a man and I’m choosing not to speak for them or from their point of view.)   


Men, how do you know if you’re dating a gold digger?  I read an article in Black Enterprise that gave some interesting facts.  According to the article, there are seven signs of a gold digger.  Pay attention, fellas...
  • She’s got her hand out all the time waiting for you to give her money
  • She’s more interested in your portfolio than in your personality
  • You are spending too much on her too soon
  • She’s always trying to keep up with the Jones’
  • You only get calls from her on paydays
  • She believes you are the Santa Claus that comes every day of the year and not just on December 25th
  • You get more attitude than gratitude from her

You’d be surprised at how many women can be labeled as a gold digger. These days, it’s very common. Just know that this can potentially be a dangerous game.  His feelings may become involved even if yours aren’t.  After all is said and done, it’s never a good idea to use someone and you never know how he will react once you wear out your welcome with his wallet.
So, the question is:  Can you blame these women for trying to secure their financial future?  I, personally, believe that we as women need to stand on our own feet, but if being labeled as a gold digger is your cup of tea, I am not going to knock your hustle...especially if it works for you. To be blunt, it’s not just the fault of the women.  The men that are with them need to take some responsibility also.  Men, you can’t complain that a woman is a gold digger six months later when the red flags were there from the very beginning. Get your eyes off the booty so you can see what’s really happening!   
Honestly, it’s much easier to be independent. I stopped depending on anyone to take care of me when I moved out of my parents’ house.  I feel like going through the trouble to con someone out of money takes much more energy than I’m willing to exert, but that’s just me. I am grateful that I am in a position to do things on my own and I wouldn’t change that for anything.  My parents raised me to be a strong woman and I’m proud of that.  I’m now striving to reach the next level.  I’m striving to be a woman of strength.  
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