Are Black women raised to be wives… or raised to be independent?

In this episode 3 of our #UnderstandingMen series, the panel dives into one of the most sensitive — and most debated — questions in modern dating.

This conversation gets real.

We’re talking about upbringing, independence, marriage expectations, gender roles, and the disconnect between what men say they’re looking for… and how women are being raised to show up.

Some perspectives might challenge you.
Some might resonate.
But all of it is honest.

In Part 2 of our #UnderstandingMen series, Tonya Buford brings together a mixed panel of men and women for an honest, unfiltered conversation about attraction, relationships, and the traits men say matter most — while women respond in real time.

This conversation is part of a bigger mission for Tonya.

As the creator and moderator of Beyond the Profile: Swipe Less. Connect More, Tonya created this video series because she believes too many people are dating through assumptions, social media noise, trauma, and surface-level expectations — without truly understanding one another. Her goal is to create a space where real people can have the conversations that are often avoided, so viewers can make better choices in dating, relationships, and who they give their heart to.

Because when we better understand ourselves — and each other — we date better.

In Part 1 of our #UnderstandingMen series, Tonya Buford brings together a mixed panel of men and women for an honest, unfiltered conversation about attraction, relationships, and the traits men say matter most — while women respond in real time.

This conversation is part of a bigger mission for Tonya.

As the creator and moderator of Beyond the Profile: Swipe Less. Connect More, Tonya created this video series because she believes too many people are dating through assumptions, social media noise, trauma, and surface-level expectations — without truly understanding one another. Her goal is to create a space where real people can have the conversations that are often avoided, so viewers can make better choices in dating, relationships, and who they give their heart to.

Because when we better understand ourselves — and each other — we date better.