Does the ring make you whole—or should you already be walking in wholeness before the vows? Markeisha and Laquvia unpack this powerful question in this episode of Unleash and Rise. They challenge the common misconception that marriage solves personal struggles and fixes loneliness, emphasizing the importance of being content and complete as an individual before entering a relationship.
The conversation dives deep into the realities of single life—the joys, the challenges, and the societal pressures women face to “settle down.” Markeisha shares her experience thriving in singleness, while Laquvia speaks on the transformation from seeking a savior to becoming a whole woman who attracts alignment, not attention.
They explore how preparing for marriage starts with self-improvement, setting realistic expectations, and building financial independence. Communication and boundaries come up as key ingredients in healthy relationships, whether romantic or friendships between single and married women.
With honest reflections on dating red flags, balancing career ambitions, and preparing for future parenthood, this episode encourages women to embrace self-love and personal growth. Ultimately, it’s a call to stop waiting for a ring to validate your worth—because your wholeness and purpose are already in your hands.
In This Episode:
[00:02] Introduction
[01:56] The joy and myths of singleness
[02:56] Does marriage fix loneliness?
[04:01] Freedom and self-love before marriage
[05:03] Learning to be happy alone
[06:43] Contentment and readiness for marriage
[07:30] Complementing each other in marriage
[08:24] The “fixer” mentality and self-contentment
[09:19] Singleness: holding pattern or safety?
[10:59] Letting go of the wrong relationships
[11:49] Fantasy vs. reality in relationships
[14:17] Overcoming distractions and seeking clarity
[16:02] Loneliness in marriage and wealth
[18:15] Finding comfort and contentment alone
[20:06] Societal pressures and false realities
[21:02] Self-love and setting standards
[25:29] Knowing your worth and setting boundaries
[28:52] Preparing friendships for marriage
[29:49] Navigating single and married friendships
[31:41] Wholeness and avoiding jealousy
[32:25] Incomplete people and domestic issues
[33:33] Ignoring red flags and communication issues
[35:15] Money as a substitute for communication
[37:09] Changing gender roles and relationship dynamics
[38:11] Arranged marriages and lack of fulfillment
[41:19] Advice for accomplished single women
[43:16] Encouragement for single women
[45:39] The wish list debate
[48:33] Contingencies and openness in partner choice
[49:50] Enjoying the early relationship
[52:41] Challenges of dating with kids
[54:47] Preparing for marriage
[01:23:36] Unequally yoked discussion
[01:33:26] Acknowledging red flags
[01:37:23] Relationship standards and expectations
Notable Quotes
[00:41] “Marriage doesn't fix loneliness at all.” — Markeisha
[05:00] “You have to learn how to sit with yourself. Learn how to be happy alone.” — Markeisha
[05:38] “If you have that void before marriage, more than likely you're gonna have that void once you get married.” — Laquvia
[06:06] “A lot of people are dating looking for a savior.” — Markeisha
[01:02:57] “Preparation isn't about becoming a wife, but it's about becoming you.” — Laquvia
[01:35:21] “Wholeness before the vows. That's the real goal.” — Laquvia
[01:35:45] “Every man you meet is not your husband. And stop giving him husband benefits.” — Laquvia
[01:36:01] “Quit making permanent decisions with temporary people.” — Markeisha
Resources and Links
Unleash and Rise
Laquvia Garrett
Markeisha Rose
