A gwanna man — a combination of “gonna” and “wanna” — according to Joan Morgan, is “a regla brother — cute, nice, relatively well intentioned but altogether lacking in drive and gumption.” Ladies, y’all should cop her book When Chickenheads Come to Roost by the way. Great read. I ran across this term while reading her book and I found it to be quite interesting with a very fitting description.
Gwanna men exist on every corner in any type of environment. You might be currently dating a gwanna man and not even know it or have been with a gwanna man for the past 3–4 years and just now realizing it. Not quite sure if you’re with one? Well, here’s a checklist on how to determine if you have a gwanna man and if it’s worth staying:
1️⃣ Gwanna men talk dreams but take zero action
They’ll tell you their big plans… but never make moves.
2️⃣ They impress with looks — not actions
Stylish, charming — but effort? Missing.
3️⃣ They complain but don’t improve
Hate their job for 3–4 years yet never apply anywhere else.
100 job applications sent by you… still no action.
4️⃣ They “know everything” but do nothing
Your advice? In one ear and out the other.
They’ll get to their goals… tomorrow… next month… never.
5️⃣ They’re waiting for the “right time”
Too young, not enough money, don’t know the right people — excuses stack up.
Time wasted: yours.
6️⃣ Their friends are gwanna men too
Birds of a feather — same habits, same lack of progress.
7️⃣ Bad habits rule their life
Clubbing, gaming, drinking — every day.
Little time left for real productivity.
8️⃣ They lack focus
Ten ideas started. None finished.
Every obstacle = a brand new plan.
9️⃣ They’re too comfortable
Comfortable with you paying.
Comfortable with you making decisions.
Comfortable being dependent.
🔟 They’re afraid
Fear of failure controls them.
Potential exists — but they can’t see it in themselves.
Final Message
Most people will spend life afraid to pursue greatness.
They won’t say it — but their actions do.
Your time, your future, your happiness — they’re worth more.
Ask yourself: Could you run a business with the person you’re dating?
If the answer is NO, it’s time to reevaluate.
Your brother,
Jay Star
