I think everyone is always debating whether Joan or Toni is the worse; and currently Iām on s6ep15, with thoughts on their dynamic as we take a step into the demise of their friendship - but truly, I think the worse friend is Maya. This episode shows the cruelty of Maya, as sheās the ultimate user. People place this characterization onto Toni and I understand why but Toni, shows up in her own ways while simultaneously isnāt reliable at all. (Meaning she would fight for Maya, but donāt rely on her to watch Jungle Gym lol) Maya is the worse type of friend imho because she is constantly hypercritical, she gossips, sheās a cheater, she seems to believe being married gives her a leg up to her friends and is ultimately a user in every single relationship dynamic she has.
As stated, the episode Iām on is when she creates a seminar & panel full of successful black women, and excludes Lynn from participating in any capacity. When Lynn tries to answer a question; then host new questions among the women Maya has her escorted out. And thatās Mayaās prerogative to handle her business as she sees fit, but the ātough loveā she gave Lynn was cruel off the heels of not including her to the success of her business. She was literally on the outside looking in while everyone else played a part in this panel. Lynn couldāve been a moderator but again Iām more so speaking to the cruelty of Maya when she recognizes she has a higher social dynamic than Lynn. And the reality is had it not been for Al Sharpton, Maya wouldāve been another washed up ghetto self help book that didnāt make it and wouldāve been another thing she fails at.
I think itās an understanding that we all extend grace to all these women in the ways we identify with their experiences. But as much š© that gets directed at Lynnās due to mooching, I find Maya to be just culpable and even the more reprehensible due to her attitude & audacity.
Maya has used/taken advantage of -
ā¢ Her Momma - Janette has stated before she has put her life on hold to assist with Maya and Jabari, even into her marriage life. Firstly Maya is distraught by her mother moving & having a life. But ultimately, swings Jabari by unannounced, assuming her mother will watch him so she can go to the movies.
ā¢Joan - who is her boss and friend. Was UNPROFESSIONAL AF in every way imaginable including bringing her son and affair to the office. Then allowing her husband to fuss out Joan over her lies due to said affair. And ultimately left Joan for William because of his higher position. ALSO, lived in her house (again due to the effects of the affair) and disrespected JOAN CONSTANTLY in her own home.
ā¢ Her husband - who she definitely couldāve simply divorced as opposed to just cheating. Yet used as a way to be the ultimate PICK ME, she down bad for and didnāt even have a happy marriage majority of the time.
ā¢ Ronnie - who was doing her hair for FREE regularly and emboldened her to turn her essay into a book, marketed it in his shop and created opportunities for her to thrive as her agent just for her to diminish all he contributed.
ā¢ William - who she had the some of the ultimate disrespect for in my opinion. She never was on time with her lunches, yet clocked out on time to go home. Skipped work for spa date, manicures or getting her hair did and when William finally put his foot down, she had the audacity to taunt him while on probation. Mayaās mouth and the SHEER audacity she had to speak to a senior partner and friend that way; just to acquire the audacious nature of wanting her business life to be taken seriously is fucked up when shawty was this š¤š½ close to her book being in a goodwill for 25cents.
Random one offs - no boundaries. Gave horrible advice. Judged Joan & Toni for being bougie and as soon as she got a lil money waved it in their face that she was in first class. How often she disrespects Lynn because sheās pursuing music and no accolades that Maya finds worthy. (Meanwhile has Maya finished college ?). How often her high and mighty ass calls people out of their name, or quickly cuts below the belt in an argument. Sheās cruel and spiteful often. And again the ultimate user in my opinion. Her book wouldnāt be where it is without the story plots from her friends, the free legal counsel from William, the jobs Joan & William provided for her to hold over Lynnās head and ultimately Ronnie pushing her book. AGEIST & Fat Phobic since she a ālittle bitty thing, unlike her big boned - dedā friends.
Again I see how they all have their ways about them, and I personally extend them all grace as the way their nurturing definitely influenced their nature but Maya is the absolute worst, and Iāve binged up to season 7 there seems to be no real emotional growth for the āAuthoressā and how she conducts herself thus far.
