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Don't Waste Your Pretty: The Go-to Guide for Making Smarter Decisions in Life & Love
“Don’t Waste Your Pretty is the much beloved dating and relationships manifesto from Demetria L. Lucas. Over the course of her career as a life coach, Demetria has interviewed thousands of men, advised hundreds of clients, and answered more than 60,000 dating and relationship queries on “Ask Demetria”, where real women submit anonymous questions and receive professional advice— for free! Demetria’s latest advice guide is a compilation of popular questions asked by clients and readers. She delivers the answers in a knowledgeable, blunt and empowering manner, quickly solving dating and relationship dilemmas, such · How do I keep men from being intimidated by me?( You can’t.) · Should I forgive him for cheating? ( It depends.) · How do I confront him after I snooped? ( You don’t.) · Should I divulge my number? ( No. There is no correct answer.) · Can I date before my divorce is final ( It’s a really bad idea.) If you have a dating or relationship problem, a client or reader has probably asked about it. And of course, Demetria has a solution.
- GenresSelf Help
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2014
64 people are currently reading
423 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 6, 2014
Meh.
I think Lucas's writing is solid. She has a voice that's brutally honest and very bottom line. However, the book is heavy on [edit: not just heavy, ALL] Q & A and by page 200 that gets tiring to read in book form. Spotted a few typos throughout the book -- that's no fun. Props to the fact that it was organized by relationships conundrum. I'll say this, if you're in your 20s -- you might benefit from the sage advice. Over 30, save the coins from buying this books and get a drink with your good girlfriends or call your mom (or somebody's honest mom) and figure it out.
I think Lucas's writing is solid. She has a voice that's brutally honest and very bottom line. However, the book is heavy on [edit: not just heavy, ALL] Q & A and by page 200 that gets tiring to read in book form. Spotted a few typos throughout the book -- that's no fun. Props to the fact that it was organized by relationships conundrum. I'll say this, if you're in your 20s -- you might benefit from the sage advice. Over 30, save the coins from buying this books and get a drink with your good girlfriends or call your mom (or somebody's honest mom) and figure it out.
May 27, 2019
I read this book when it first came out and I am just now getting around to writing a review and unfortunately, it is not positive.
I was really excited to read this book because I genuinely enjoyed her first one; however, this one missed the mark.
There was solid advice in this book yet not enough for me to want to suggest it to anyone to read.
Because it was written just like her question and answers on her social media, it really could have just stayed there.
I really really wanted more from her in this book.
and now that I am writing this review years later, I truly believe that if she wrote a memoir now with the way her life has played out that it would be amazing and even full of more advice that would really be useful
I was really excited to read this book because I genuinely enjoyed her first one; however, this one missed the mark.
There was solid advice in this book yet not enough for me to want to suggest it to anyone to read.
Because it was written just like her question and answers on her social media, it really could have just stayed there.
I really really wanted more from her in this book.
and now that I am writing this review years later, I truly believe that if she wrote a memoir now with the way her life has played out that it would be amazing and even full of more advice that would really be useful
September 14, 2020
A Q&A of common relationship problems with no nonsense answers
February 28, 2024
An OK book, but basically only filled with Q&A. The advice given is solid, but it does not really feel like a proper book.
August 23, 2015
Just as other have said I didn't prefer the format of the book. I felt like I was just reading her ask.fm page which I can do online every now and then for free. She is a good writer and she provides solid advice, but the format was a distraction.
February 13, 2023
- A very easy way to break the ice is simply asking a question - almost any question, "I like your shirt, where did you get it?". If the other party is intrigued in the conversation, the other party will continue the talk
- The common belief of "men are intimidated by educated women" is an excuse women use when they're having issue dating - the problem often falls within themselves and don't have the skill to maintain relationship
- The author argues that women should approach (just in a women-y way). The idea that showing any interest in the opposite sex is doing too much is simply false
- Women feel with emotions, thus, when a guy lies with emotion, sometimes the girl will fall for it ("the moment I met you I just know you're the one")
- The author noted that the best way to test the guy's intention is just taking things very slow
- "Silent treatment" is just a immature way to send message: guys won't get that. Instead, when something is wrong, communicate, don't assume the other person is a mind-reader (guys and girls behave very differently)
- The common belief of "men are intimidated by educated women" is an excuse women use when they're having issue dating - the problem often falls within themselves and don't have the skill to maintain relationship
- The author argues that women should approach (just in a women-y way). The idea that showing any interest in the opposite sex is doing too much is simply false
- Women feel with emotions, thus, when a guy lies with emotion, sometimes the girl will fall for it ("the moment I met you I just know you're the one")
- The author noted that the best way to test the guy's intention is just taking things very slow
- "Silent treatment" is just a immature way to send message: guys won't get that. Instead, when something is wrong, communicate, don't assume the other person is a mind-reader (guys and girls behave very differently)
September 28, 2018
This books reads like a good girlfriend who gives solid advice. Nothing is sugarcoated and everything is honest(brutally at times lol). It is definitely a must read. I can’t wait for the next book from her!
December 26, 2018
I was very disappointed in this book because I expected so much more since her first book was so good. I really didn't care for the format of the book, and it's the main reason why it took me so long to finish it. If you're into Q&A, this book is for you.
October 23, 2019
Okay read. It does get a bit redundant at times. Lucas definitely has clear ideas on how women should approach dating, and she's very consistent in her responses. This book could do with a good editor/proofreader though, it has a ton of typos.
February 2, 2022
Perhaps I should have read this one first as I distinctly remember not enjoying this one as much as the first book. But alas, we live, learn and grow. Get the first book if you want to be truly entertained!
August 25, 2020
I read it because I love Demetria, but I wasn’t that impressed. 🤷🏻♀️
March 20, 2015
I used to read Demetria Lucas' monthly columns in Essence Magazine. From there, I followed her social media. I enjoyed her work and was excited to read her last look A Belle in Brooklyn. I don't recall why (I am certain I reviewed it on here) but I did not like the book. After that, I stopped keeping up with her. Meaning if I saw a Tweet on Twitter or a picture on Instagram, I would read/look at it, but I rarely sought out her work. I knew from Twitter that she answered relationship questions via Ask.FM, but while some of the questions seemed interesting I just did not have the time to go sorting through them. I also was on a reality show hiatus when Blood, Sweat and Heels premiered and so, I missed that as well.
I say (type) all of this to announce that I am back as a fan of Lucas' work. I really enjoyed this book. It is the book that I wish I had when I was dating. Boy, I could have saved myself a lot of drama. I was not even finished reading the book when two girlfriends relayed relationship drama and I begged them to buy this book. The book is geared more so to single and dating women, but there are aspects that pertain to engaged women (such as myself) and married women. What I love the most is that before Lucas started doling out relationship advice she actually became certified.
The book is mostly in question and answer format. So, she really just took from the Ask.FM website and formatted all of the questions into a book with short excerpts preceding the questions, but it is still a good read. The questions are answered in a clear cut manner and I was surprised that I did not disagree with any of her advice. Not once and that is rare for me. I did not give her the side eye once.
This is no Steve Harvey Think Like a Man...this is a great relationship book by someone who obviously knows her stuff. She even includes questions that felt confrontational as if the person asking doubted her advice. One reader even had the nerve to dip into Lucas' personal business, but Lucas was definitely professional in rendering her advice. I applaud her and while I'm still staying away from reality shows, I may check Blood, Sweat and Heels out only because Lucas is on it.
This is definitely a good read!
I say (type) all of this to announce that I am back as a fan of Lucas' work. I really enjoyed this book. It is the book that I wish I had when I was dating. Boy, I could have saved myself a lot of drama. I was not even finished reading the book when two girlfriends relayed relationship drama and I begged them to buy this book. The book is geared more so to single and dating women, but there are aspects that pertain to engaged women (such as myself) and married women. What I love the most is that before Lucas started doling out relationship advice she actually became certified.
The book is mostly in question and answer format. So, she really just took from the Ask.FM website and formatted all of the questions into a book with short excerpts preceding the questions, but it is still a good read. The questions are answered in a clear cut manner and I was surprised that I did not disagree with any of her advice. Not once and that is rare for me. I did not give her the side eye once.
This is no Steve Harvey Think Like a Man...this is a great relationship book by someone who obviously knows her stuff. She even includes questions that felt confrontational as if the person asking doubted her advice. One reader even had the nerve to dip into Lucas' personal business, but Lucas was definitely professional in rendering her advice. I applaud her and while I'm still staying away from reality shows, I may check Blood, Sweat and Heels out only because Lucas is on it.
This is definitely a good read!
May 18, 2015
Good advice...quick read
It's like listening to call in radio! I love the format of Q&A. I was entertained and I walked away with some good advice in all aspects of dating and relationships.
It's like listening to call in radio! I love the format of Q&A. I was entertained and I walked away with some good advice in all aspects of dating and relationships.
June 25, 2015
I enjoy Demetria's writing, but as other readers have mentioned, I would have preferred the question-answer format to be omitted. Even still, she has good information and quotes within her book. Looking forward to seeing what she has next.
October 8, 2014
I felt she gave great advice, like she did in "A Belle in Brooklyn". I just prefer her story telling than the Q & A style of this book.
February 1, 2015
I must say...I enjoyed A Belle in Brooklyn MUCH better. I didn't enjoy the Q&A format. As for the advice applicable to me...It was sound.
January 8, 2015
Good advice offered on how to separate finances and petty behavior in relationships which relates to principles one should practice in all areas of life.
August 30, 2015
Disappointing. And I LOVE Demetria's writing. The format of this book does serious damage to how the messages are received.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews