By Dan Reagans

Lil Wayne made a valiant effort to teach us about love with his 2011 smash “How to Love,” but music megastar Rihanna may be setting a better example of that these days. Appearing on Oprah Winfrey’s interview series Oprah’s Next Chapter, the pop princess spoke candidly about the healing process that followed her infamous 2009 domestic abuse incident at the hands of ex-boyfriend Chris Brown. While it would be pointless to rehash the much-talked about incident, there’s plenty to be learned from Rihanna’s personal growth in the aftermath of the incident.

It’s a given that under no circumstance is domestic abuse justifiable, but genuinely teaching that lesson to someone who has missed it should’ve been the real priority. Celebrities are sometimes held to an unreasonable standard, and when they mess up, they’re sometimes put in a box of “they should’ve known better.” Case in point: Michael Vick revealed how dog fighting was an ill-advised practice a part of his upbringing and, prior to his career halting ordeal, he never really fully grasped the nature of his horrific actions.

It’s easier to judge and denounce than it is to try and search for the missing pieces that lead to a solution. Despite Rih Rih’s physical hurt, embarrassment and loss of a best friend, it was her love that prompted a real desire for C. Breezy to get healthy and find a way to deal with his anger problems. Simply put, even in a moment when she was hurt by someone she loved most, Rihanna made the selfless act of thinking about his well-being over her own at that dark moment. At times, it’s more beneficial if energy and focus are put to making sure those that mess up deal with the root of their problems instead of bashing them.

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