With the second Williams sister getting married and, like her sister, choosing a partner outside her race, some black male influencers on social media are once again criticizing her choice.
But the truth is this: a daughter’s first model of a man is her father. That early example often shapes what she recognizes, values, and ultimately chooses in a partner.
In our culture, many men were not taught how to emotionally care for women. A lot were raised in broken homes, single-parent households, or by caregivers who themselves lacked emotional tools. When those patterns go unaddressed, they shape relationship choices.
From a psychological perspective, it’s important to consider the impact of divorce on children and how it shapes their views on relationships.
The Williams sisters grew up with a father they loved and respected, but whose actions ultimately broke their trust and reshaped their understanding of what a husband and father should be. This experience may have influenced their decision to look beyond their own cultural circle when choosing a partner.
Rather than blaming them for marrying outside their race, it’s worth examining the culture, family systems, and environments that failed to model healthy partnership, including how we sometimes undervalue women who look like us.
It’s time to let this narrative go. Instead of criticizing Black women for marrying outside their race, the focus should be on becoming better men, better husbands, partners, and fathers, so the next generation of boys has something to model and be proud of.
The Sacred Shift | Intuitive Guidance With Suzette Lindo 