The wisdom, regrets and warnings which are generationally passed down regarding dating vary widely. From cultural differences to the correct age to settle down, there is a span of competing advice on the topic, and the newest frontier for contentious advice relates to standards we possess. 

In 2024, it is evident that Black women are overcoming systemic barriers in the professional world, earning places in creative and literary halls of fame, and gaining the courage to take entrepreneurial leaps. Ambition is growing, intellect is flourishing, success is rising. With these comes expectations about with whom you choose to share the life you’re carving out for yourself. 

For Columbia law student, turned content creator and start-up founder, Clarke Peoples, dating is about much more than finding common interests and mutual attraction. In a recent TikTok video which has amassed 2.7 million views, she discusses why she would ‘never date outside of her socioeconomic class’.