My wife was persuaded to try black stories. How can I support her new interest?

You could start by reading some black stories together. There are many great books like 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. You can then discuss the themes, characters and emotions in these stories with her.

Suggest watching documentaries or movies that feature black men's stories. There are many great ones out there, like 'Hidden Figures' which showcases the important contributions of black women and men in the space program. You can watch it together and have discussions afterwards.

Black stories are often dark or macabre short tales. Whether you should be worried depends on your wife's mental state. If she's just interested in the genre for its unique narrative style, it might be okay. But if it starts to affect her mood negatively, it could be a concern.

You can start by having an open conversation with her about her interest. Then, you could find some books or articles on healthy sexual relationships to share with her.

You can start with your local library. They usually have a section dedicated to African - American literature which contains many great black stories. For example, you can find books by Toni Morrison like 'Beloved', which tells a haunting story of a former slave.

Be involved in the decision - making process. Give your honest opinions but also be open to her ideas. For instance, if she wants to change the layout of a room, discuss the pros and cons together and work towards a solution that satisfies both of you.

One interesting black story could be the story of the Underground Railroad. It was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African - Americans to escape to free states. It involved brave conductors like Harriet Tubman who risked their lives to lead others to freedom.

Another great way is to plan outings related to your friends' hobbies. Say, if a friend is into hiking, you can all go for a hike together. This not only supports your wife's interest but also strengthens the bond between you, your wife and your friends.

You can encourage her to join local storytelling clubs or community events where people share their experiences. These are usually safe environments with some rules and regulations.

You can help her with the aftercare. For example, remind her to clean it regularly and buy the necessary cleaning supplies for her. Also, when you go out together, if people stare or make comments, you can stand by her side and show that you support her choice.