Dear Mrs. Kobe Bryant

Or should I call you Vanessa? In the past couple of years, it seems like you've become Kobe's accessory ...but that's not the reason why I write this ...

Yesterday, I heard you lashed out on a reporter who talked about your family. And while I applaud you for defending your children (they don't deserve to get caught up in this mess), I am a tad bit concerned that you've been taking your role as Mrs. Kobe Bryant a tad bit far. Apparently, this isn't the only time you've done this. I'm surprised that you haven't grown a thicker skin since, you know, you're not the most liked person in the world and probably never will be.

Look at you ... you're the wife of one of the best, if not the best, NBA player in the game. Haters will hate. But honestly, a good percentage of people out here don't like you. They never liked you and probably never will. People labeled you a gold digger because you met Kobe while you were still in high school, yet you were doing music videos on the side, and it's rumored (and somewhat confirmed) that Kobe's parents didn't/don't like you. I could also get into the fact that some people had an issue with you not being Black, but that's a societal problem and a way bigger issue itself.

Obviously, I know you're pissed about The Dirty report about K.O.B.E. and a former Laker cheerleader having an affair. We know you've been through this before and you're still by your husband, which is commendable. But I have to ask you: When Bryant bought that ginormous ring for you after his little incident, did you ever think that may be his ticket to do it again? It ain't like Kobe can't afford to buy you something bigger. That ring was nothing, trust me. Also, it doesn't help that your marriage appears to be some sort of a publicity stunt. The Bryant family shots appear like clockwork during the season.

Everything I just said has been said about you or towards you. People will always have something greasy to say about you. Honestly, you need to (wo)man up and deal with it. I hope you didn't think this shit would be easy? You've been dealing with this crap since 2004. At one point, you need to say "I'm Kobe's wife and the mother of two beautiful girls ... that's worth more than what any A,B,C, or D website can say about me, husband and my children." You're grown, so you can take a hit. But if someone goes at your kids, get hood. I would.

Your happiness comes first. If you're honestly happy in this situation, say "F*** the world" -- to yourself, of course -- and keep it moving. But the fact that you keep lashing out on people says that, internally, shit ain't cool. I hope you find happiness, with or without Kobe.