Today is Sunday and that means it is time for my response to Hitch or Ditch – Round 3!

Oh my dear Snoop…don’t beat yourself up over this.  I will admit to you that I, at first reading your story, was a little taken aback by the fact that you were so put off by the ring. However, the more I began thinking about what I was going to write back to you, the more I began to kind of understand.  To be honest, I receive countless emails and questions from ladies that want to know about how to go about encouraging their other half to “beef up the bling.” I usually suggest calling in the friends. This was actually also a comment from a reader.  See if you can get him to admit to one of your friends that he is going to pop the question, then your best friends can be prepared to say, “oh can we see the ring?” or “do you need a little help ring shopping?”  Hopefully they will be able to take care of it from there.

My suggestion to men out there… go ring shopping together!  Window shopping that is.  Have your future bride try on different rings and discuss all her different options together.  So, when you do pop the question, you will make her proud to show of her ring.

Now my dear, you are aware that I am going to have to say this.  You didn’t write into me thinking that I would be delicate with my words did you?  I want you to do some soul searching.  What if that ring is all that he could afford at this time? What if he loves you so much that he really was only thinking about the thought behind it?  What if the ring is a family heirloom that means a great deal to him? Be sure to remember to be excited about the fact that he is going to propose and that you have a man that loves you.  The ring should simply be an added bonus.  Ok, now that I have said that please let me give you my personal thought, “It don’t mean a thing unless that ring got some BLING”  {WINK}  I have always been of the thought that less is less and more is more, so I do understand your feelings.  Either way, he loves you! And the ring is to symbolize that! Despite the size….

Congrats on getting “Hitched” because that is what the readers think you should do…

Remember the reason,

Mr M Famous

I know ya’ll know the drill, but just to recap for new readers, this is Hitch or Ditch – Round 3! Here’s how to play – Read the stories and vote – comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message – on whether the couple should get “Hitched” or “Ditched.”  Now, of course, I will provide a witty commentary on the story and give my final observation. Hitch or Ditch debuts on Thursdays, and you have until Saturday night at midnight to vote!  Sunday, I tally the votes and give my final rundown of what the public thinks about the fate of these couples.  Fun times always lie ahead at the Christopher Macken web site.  So tune in on Thursdays to see which couple needs a little unbiased advice. Friends, family and coworkers sit down and submit the “on Goings” of your friends’ relationships and let the public be the judge and jury…it’s time to play…Hitch or Ditch…

Dearest Mr. M Famous,

I really cannot believe I am even going to tell anyone this, but I am making myself sick worrying, so I need to tell someone and at least this way I can stay anonymous.

I have a boyfriend that I love soooo much. We have been dating since highschool. We are now done with college and have been living together for the past year.  Marriage is inevitable for us, which is wonderful because we really do love each other. So, in reality, this is not a “Hitch or Ditch” situation.  I am going to marry this man, but getting there is the big problem.

So, we have been discussing marriage more and more lately. We even talked about going to ring shop together, but he keeps saying that he really wants to surprise me. So in typical girl fashion, I am convinced that he is going to propose with every breath he takes. Well, in that craziness, I snoop around our apartment constantly – terrible, I know.  I am not sure I ever actually thought I would find anything, BUT last week I found my engagement ring and at the very moment I should have been so disgustingly excited, I wanted to vomit because I hate it!  I know I am a terrible person, but I really don’t like it. I have tried. I have tried it on over and over – every time he leaves the house, I pull it out and put it on. Seriously, I would never wear this thing and I don’t know what to do. I wanted to run to him and beg him to exchange it, but then he would know I snooped which would break his heart. But if he proposes with this ring, it will break my heart.  I don’t know what to do. This is awful. Maybe I am getting what I deserve.

“Snoop Dog”

So,  everyone what do we think – Tweet Me, Facebook Me or comment below.  “Snoop Dog” needs our help!

Be M Famous

CMC

As I was sitting on my balcony this morning having a cup of coffee, I looked down and noticed a young couple holding hands and walking out of my building.  I don’t know what struck me about seeing this, but I started to think, “Hand holding” is such a very strong, public statement.  As they walked away, they passed a car where an older gentleman was holding the hand of what looked to be his wife as she feebly stepped onto the curb of the sidewalk and gained her footing.  I couldn’t help but think about all the different times I have held hands with someone and the many different reasons for doing so…

…My mother holding my hand and walking me into school on the first day.  Somehow her grasp comforted me, letting me know that everything was going to be alright.   Or perhaps the many Thanksgiving dinners with the whole family gathered in the kitchen before fixing our plates.  My Grandmother orchestrating the event by asking us all to join hands in prayer as my Grandfather blessed the meal that she had spent most of the night before preparing.  I always held my oldest cousins hand. We would squeeze each other’s hands to see if we could make the other say something during the prayer – in turn getting a stern look from Grandmother.  In spite of the antics surrounding that moment, there was a feeling of togetherness that kept us so close with each other.  …That same cousin later in life marrying her husband as they took each other’s hands and left the church where they were married by my same Grandfather that has led us in prayer all of our lives.  Running through the shower of birdseed they were joined by their hands and their hearts.

I can very distinctly remember my grandmother holding the hand of her mother as she passed away.  The whole room was silent as they shared that moment for the last time.

Of course there is the moment when I nervously reached over to grab the hand of my date at the movies or the times as a child when you join hands with your friends in a game of Red Rover.

Next time you are out and about, look around.  Take a sec and think about the people around you that are holding hands.  A young couple holding hands for a short time, or an elderly couple that may have been holding hands for years.  A mother holding her child’s hand as she reminds him to look both ways before crossing the street.  This very simple gesture that we often overlook and don’t give a second thought, comes from such a terrific place, a loving place!  I cannot think of a time that a simple touch of two hands would be for any other reason other than love.  Whether for comfort, support, understanding, love, safety or to help keep someone from falling; it really is a beautiful thing.  That’s just my random thought and observation for the day…My advice to you all today… go hold someone’s hand!  I promise it will lead to a great day!

Just a thought…

Mr M Famous

Today is Sunday and that means it is time for my response to Hitch or Ditch – Round 2!

AK, I was very glad to get this question.  It is quite relevant in light of so many people losing their jobs in this economy.   I have to start by saying that 90% of the votes were in favor of you “Hitching,” and, I for one, would “sort of” agree.

I say sort of because I would first like for you to think back on why you fell in love.  Think of that moment when you realized that you wanted the “perfect wedding” to be with him.  Now, try to remember if his income ever entered your mind at that time.  One reader commented that you sounded like you were more in love with the idea of your perfect wedding than you were with him.  If that is the case then you should absolutely Ditch.  But if you love him, if you want to be married to him for the rest of your life regardless of his income, or lack thereof, then marry him.  I would be willing to bet that in your vows there will be something along the lines of “for richer or for poorer.”  Well, it looks like your marriage may start out on the latter end of that scale, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Now is the time that you have to help him see his strengths.  We all need a little nudging at times (and let’s face it ladies, women are the strength behind most men, whether they want to believe it or not). There is a great deal of pride that a man derives from being able to be the “hunter and gatherer” in his home.  When he faces the possibility of not being able to do so, it is not uncommon for him to have feelings of self-doubt.  Be there for him.  Comfort and encourage him and for goodness sake…scale back the wedding!

What if, instead of a huge costly blow-out wedding, you had a small celebration with close friends and family where you both exchange your vows and promise to be there for each other through thick or thin?  Spend the money on something that will help the two of you in the first few years of marriage like paying off debt.  Then, after he has regained his financial footing, you both renew your vows on your anniversary as both a celebration of getting through the tough times together and his newly found employment.

My final advice to you…purchase the March issue of DIY WEDDINGS MAGAZINE where yours truly will be giving more wedding advice in my column Ask M Famous, and find a way to be more frugal.  Rest assured that your marriage will have many bumps and rough patches.  Just as it will have many glorious unforgettable moments.  Keep in mind that he is the person you fell in love with and HITCH him – just cheaper!  Remember my dear, “The marriage is not the blessing, the fact that there are two people who choose to be married is!” (That’s my quote, feel free to use it.)

Keep those Hitch or Ditch stories coming in and YOU might just be in the next issue of HITCH OR DITCH.  Thank you all for your responses and votes.

Until next time stay fabulous, live beautiful and always be M Famous!

Mr. M Famous

Just to recap, this is Hitch or Ditch – Round 2! Here’s how to play – Read the stories and vote – comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message – on whether the couple should get “Hitched” or “Ditched.”  Now, of course, I will provide a witty commentary on the story and give my final observation. Hitch or Ditch debuts on Thursdays, and you have until Saturday night at midnight to vote!  Sunday, I tally the votes and give my final rundown of what the public thinks about the fate of these couples.  Fun times always lie ahead at the Christopher Macken web site.  So tune in on Thursdays to see which couple needs a little unbiased advice. Friends, family and coworkers sit down and submit the “on Goings” of your friends’ relationships and let the public be the judge and jury…it’s time to play…Hitch or Ditch…

Dear Mr M Famous,

I need you to offer some advice and please be completely honest.  I have already consulted my friends and loved ones, but everyone is tiptoeing around me due to the situation.  I am engaged and getting married in March.  I have planned a huge wedding – the wedding of my dreams to be completely honest. The response cards are already rolling in.  So far everyone is responding “yes” and some people have already booked their travel.  I am so excited!

Here’s the problem – my fiance lost his job at the end of December.  At first he had this whole “can do” attitude.  He promised everything would be fine and pushed me to keep moving forward with the wedding even though we are spending a lot of money.  He said he would have a new job in no time and not to worry.  Well fast forward to now, and all we do is fight over money.  He still doesn’t have a new job, and the bills are piling up.  So now I am starting to question everything – should we postpone, should we cancel, should I move forward and hope for the best, or should I even marry him at all?  I mean part of me feels like it would be so selfish to continue with the wedding when we are already suffering, but part of me feels like I have wanted this for so long and the money (or lack of it) is just a bump in the road for now.  I would hate to regret not having the wedding of my dreams someday.  Then part of me even feels like he is being selfish as he drags his feet in finding a new job.

I am completely stressed out and don’t know what to do.
AK

So, everyone what do we think – Tweet Me, Facebook Me or comment below.  AK needs our help!

Be M Famous

CMC

Today is Sunday and that means it is time for my response to Hitch or Ditch – Round 1!

All I can say is wooooow!  Slow down girl.  Dern.  If this pushiness is any sign as to what kind of pressure he will be under after there is a ring on his finger, he may as well go a head and call his buddies and tell them he will never be able to see them again.  Just as a marriage is a team effort with two people deciding how to navigate through life, so should be the decision to get married.  Someone needs to tell our boisterous bride to be still and enjoy the process.  Building a relationship doesn’t have to be a sprint.  The finish line is not the day of the wedding, and if anything, it is when the race actually begins.  So my dear, take off those track shoes and put on a lovely pair of Christian Louboutin pumps.  What’s your hurry?  I say focus first on graduating and getting employment (that’s going to be tough in this economy) and make sure that going into this marriage you have a firm financial footing on the starting blocks of life. Financial problems are one of the leading causes of marital discord, and she is setting herself up to fail by rushing into things.  Sounds to me like she is more in love with the idea of marriage than the guy.

My advice to the “want to be bride”… PUMP your breaks dear!  Slow it down and enjoy.

My advice to the reluctant groom… Ask your girlfriend to borrow her track shoes, because perhaps now would be a good time to start running!

Finally, my advice to Laura – who wrote me about this couple – Laura, sometimes we have to let the ones we love make mistakes and help them pick up the pieces when things fail. Just focus on being a good friend.

So after all of the votes were tallied from twitter and facebook and one comment on the blog, it was obvious that everyone had the same advice…DITCH!

Keep those relationship stories coming in. They just might show up on the next installment of Hitch or Ditch appearing Thursday’s at noon.

Send stories for Hitch or Ditch to askmfamous@christophermacken.com

Also you can submit wedding questions, comments and concerns for my column in DIY Weddings Magazine at askmfamous@christophermacken.com Who knows, your question may be answered in the next issue!

You all asked, and I answered…

Mr M Famous

Just to recap, this is Hitch or Ditch – Round 1! Here’s how to play – Read the stories and vote – comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message – on whether the couple should get “Hitched” or “Ditched.”  Now, of course, I will provide a witty commentary on the story and give my final observation. Hitch or Ditch will debut on Thursdays, and I will give all of you until Saturday night at midnight to vote!  Sunday, I will tally the votes and give my final rundown of what the public thinks about the fate of these couples.  Fun times always lie ahead at the Christopher Macken web site.  So tune in on Thursdays to see which couple needs a little unbiased advice. Friends, family and coworkers sit down and submit the “on Goings” of your friends’ relationships and let the public be the judge and jury…it’s time to play…Hitch or Ditch…

Mr. Macken,

I have a few thoughts for hitch or ditch. I am a college student and follow you on Facebook.  I am a senior and my roommate and I are both in serious relationships.  So here’s the deal, I think she is pushing an engagement and marriage on her boyfriend.  She has made it incredibly clear that she wants to get married right after we graduate in May.  For example, she has a notebook full of ideas for her future wedding, she forced him to go ring shopping and lately she has decided to threaten moving away to a different state to get her masters if he doesn’t propose in the next few months.  I mean they aren’t even engaged, and she is already planning the color scheme for their house! I can’t talk to her about my fears, because she is going to think I am jealous that my boyfriend and I are not anywhere near getting married.  I am NOT jealous, I swear!  I really am worried for her.  I think her boyfriend should propose when he is ready – I just don’t want her to force it and then end up in a miserable marriage. Help!

Laura (changed my name just to be safe)
So, everyone what do we think – Tweet Me, Facebook Me or comment below.  Laura needs our help!

Be M Famous

CMC

As I sit here in my condo overlooking the frozen tundra that once was Atlanta, Georgia, I am trying to think of something to do other than listen to another Cher Remix on Itunes. So I figure that now would be as good a time as any to release the newest fun and exiting interactive blog that we are starting at the “House of M Famous.” Drum role please….After much thought and a few giggles over this idea, I am happy to announce that we will be posting stories that have been submitted to me about couples and their relationships.  I know what you are all thinking – not another mushy blog post about perfect couples and how they are so happy to be together.  Well, sit tight, this is where the twist comes in….This segment will be chock full of stories submitted by couples and friends of couples, detailing the good, the bad and the unfaithful.  Now of course all names will be changed to protect the innocent but the plot will remain just as it was reported to me.  I have lovingly chosen to title this segment – are you ready for it – “Hitch or Ditch!”  Read the stories and vote – comment on the blog, Tweet me or shoot me a Facebook message – on whether the couple should get “Hitched” or “Ditched.” Now, of course, I will provide a witty commentary on the story and will give my final observation. Hitch or Ditch will debut on Thursdays, and I will give all of you until Saturday night at midnight to vote!  Sunday, I will tally the votes and give my final rundown of what the public thinks about the fate of these couples.  Fun times always lie ahead at the Christopher Macken web site.  So tune in on Thursdays to see which couple needs a little unbiased advice. Friends, family and coworkers sit down and submit the “on Goings” of your friends’ relationships and let the public be the judge and jury…it’s time to play…Hitch or Ditch…First story comes out tomorrow!!!!  Let the games begin!

To submit your story please email me at askmfamous@christophermacken.com.

Have an M Famous day and be safe!

Mr M Famous

After much preparation and excitement, I am so thrilled to FINALLY announce that I have partnered with DIY Weddings Magazine to write a quarterly style column featuring ASK M FAMOUS!

DIY Weddings Magazine is an online wedding publication that is full of budget saving tips and tricks. With more content and less advertising, this publication is perfect for any bride!

I will be featured in each of the 4 issues this year as Ask M Famous. From rehearsal dinners and engagement parties to wedding day fashion and matters of the heart, I, Mr. M Famous will answer those tough questions and provide a witty and refreshing look at planning your perfect day. So put down the wedding planner and set that stack of books aside, Mr. M Famous is here to help!

Keep an eye out for my first column in the Spring issue available in March!

Be M Famous!

CMC

P.S.- Don’t forget to email your questions to askmfamous@christophermacken.com.

Happy New Year, everyone! You were on the edge of your seat waiting for Part 2, weren’t you! Sorry for the delay…..I think I really enjoyed New Year’s Eve Happy 2011!

So where was I….oh yeah, Graceland!!

The next day we woke and dressed and headed out the door.  In route to see the home of a legend, a former dwelling place of not just a person, but rather a persona!  As we made our way to Graceland, we passed by SUN RECORDS, and though I didn’t see the ghost of Elvis on Union Avenue, I couldn’t help but feel humbled to be there.  Out of that tiny little recording studio an ICON was created….where rock and roll was born  We made our way through the neighborhoods to get to the “mansion.” The area sure didn’t look like I thought it would.  The homes actually looked quite run down and poor.

We were met in the parking lot by a rep for Graceland, and we climbed in his Range Rover.  He drove us in through the back gate and by the grounds’ keeper’s residences.  I knew that we were definitely in a different area of the “compound” than many people get to go.  As the car stopped and we got out, I realized that we were parked right next to the very place that Elvis would have once parked.  We entered the Mansion, decorated for the holidays just as HE would have wanted – lavish and flashy and VERY ELVIS PRESLEY.  We saw everything but the upstairs and even the very kind person that was giving us the VIP tour couldn’t make that happen.  Very few people ever saw the King of Rock’s private living quarters.  He wanted it that way.  The employees make it a point to keep everything just the way he left it.  It was unbelievable.  You could actually feel the spirit of this legend.  Perhaps when you achieve so much greatness and you pass away that greatness is left here.  We saw everything – the house, the cars, the grave and even his iconic plane – the Lisa Marie.

We completed our tour and were given two cd’s of Elvis’s latest albums and the music from the upcoming Elvis Cirque Du Soleil show, thanked the Graceland Rep and left the compound. After all that touring, we were starving!  For those of you who know me, you know that I am always hungry and sushi is always a fave.  But in Memphis?   I was told about this place called D? Sushi Lounge.  Now, I have had sushi from all over and this place had, hands down, the BEST sushi that I have ever had.  The sushi chef made us a special plate so we could try almost everything.  I was floored.  Here I am in Tennessee and eating sushi that was better than any place I have been to from LA to NYC to Miami. The staff took very good care of us, and I would like to thank them for their hospitality.  This is definitely a spot you HAVE to try.  It’s worth the plane ticket I assure you!

We closed out the night at my new favorite bar – The Molly Fontaine Lounge – an old antebellum home that has been turned into a bar and lounge decorated to the “T” and named after the ghost of the girl that is said to still haunt this place.  Everyone was charmingly chic as they sipped their drinks and puffed their cigarettes.  Sitting in oversized chairs and socializing.

On my last day, I visited the Lorraine Motel where MLK was shot and the woman who has been protesting outside of it for 22 years.  To see the very spot that he was killed and the window where the gunman sat to shoot him gave me chills.  A civil rights leader that began a fight for equality that we are still trying to achieve, inching closer and closer with every year.

I could go on for days about my trip and trust me that there is far too much to tell you in a 2-part blog.  This city is different in a very charming way – a city off the delta that has been the home to so many “beginnings” and determined to never have an end! A city with a Southern culture that is definitely unique to only Memphis.  A city where the old and the new seem to coexist with an understanding that progress will never overshadow past.  I left Memphis just as it was beginning to snow.  I said my goodbyes to my friend and boarded my plane for Atlanta.  By the end of my trip I think I was starting to slow down to meet the pace of Memphis, but no sooner did I touch down in Atlanta, I was back up to speed, rushing through the airport and making phone calls.  I will be back soon Memphis… Have a plate and a cocktail waiting for me!

M Famous in Memphis!

Christopher Macken

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