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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Temple chapter.

Have you ever had a question that you were too afraid or embarrassed to ask? If so, you’re not alone. It’s amazing how many people are afraid to ask certain questions because of the reactions they believe people will give them. I am curious to know what you do once you let the question slip away. Do you find a later date to inquire? Do you Google it?  Do you allow the question to go unanswered? I know I am asking a great deal of questions but I am more than curious about this subject. 

You’re probably wondering who I am. My name is Isaiah Gaymon, but everyone calls me Izzy. I am a 22-year-old Media Studies and Production major at Temple University. I am from Philadelphia and Temple’s 2013 Homecoming King. I decided to start a column such as this because I definitely connect with those who have many questions about life. There was a time when I was too embarrassed and unsure of how my peers/family would react. Though I’ve overcome this, I know there are others that have not. This blog is a way for you to get a male’s point of view on any topic you would like to know about. This means that your questions is what will keep this article going, so it is important for you all to submit questions to me. Every week I will select a few questions to answer, but that’s enough about me.  Let’s get to some questions from this week. 

Anonymous asked: As a black male, what’s your honest opinion on black women dating other races but specifically white men?

I actually do not believe that there’s anything wrong with black women dating outside of their race. Dating outside of your race not only enables a sense of experimentation, but it presents an opportunity to learn about different cultures, people and traditions. There are so many positive things that come from interracial connections. To be specific, black women dating white men is not the end of the world. As long as you are content, it should not matter what anyone else thinks anyway. If you want a white guy, go for it. Socially, there are some who are not open to interracial dating and you may get some weird stares from those people. That doesn’t matter if you’re pleased with your decision. Explore your options and learn something new while you’re at it.

Anonymous asked: What do you believe to be one of the biggest issues that cause relationships to fail?

One of the biggest issues would definitely be placing past problems on people in your present life. So many people base the present on their past. I see this as a negative when it comes to relationships because you cannot expect to move forward when you’re cautious about past failures/things that have went wrong. Let’s say someone in a previous relationship cheated on me. It would be very unwise to expect the same from my new partner. You set yourself up because you are already expecting the worst.  I’ve been in relationships where I wasn’t trusted and had to work harder due to an ex’s shortcomings. Trust me — it is not fun at all.  When you start a new relationship, it is only fair that the person is given a clean slate. It’s like placing somebody else’s baggage on another person and weighing them down.  All it will do is chase your partner away and you end up single again.

Anonymous askedI see this one guy in my building all the time and we make a ton of eye contact. It’s always awkward because I don’t t know if I should say hi or not. Help a girl out! :)

You should simply just say hello. I mean, what’s the worst thing that could happen? If not, you’ll just keep having awkward “eye-interactions” and you’ll be left with “what-ifs.” I’m not saying you have to start a long conversation with the guy. Just greet him. I’m sure he will greet you in return. He may be waiting for you to say hello to him. Take a chance.  It’s not like you have anything to lose in the situation unless you like to keep things awkward. Lol.          

If I did not get to answer your question in the article, do not be worried. I will still answer your questions if it’s a simple reply online or in the next article. Just keep them coming. You can hashtag #AskIzzy on twitter with your question or at ask.fm/askizzyhctu. I look forward to all of your questions.

 

Jennifer Nguyen is a senior journalism student at Temple. She has been a part of Her Campus Temple since its formation in 2010 and being a part of HCTU has been one of the best things she has ever done. She aspires to be a magazine writer in New York after graduation. Jennifer is passionate about learning more about the world around her and hopes to travel the world one day. As a journalist, she strives to share the stories of people whose voices need to be heard. In her spare time, she loves reading French literature, learning languages and watching Bravo reality TV shows.