"Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I'd ever fall in love with a black man, and I'm proud to admit that I've never seen him as black. I see him as the love of my life, the man that makes me a better person and an awesome human being."
I now realize after years of dating that I never truly knew what racism was or what it meant. I only became fully aware of it when he and I started going out.
I know being of a different race the things my love has gone through will never fully be able to be experienced by me. Just as he can not experience a lot of what I've experienced.
I now better understand some of the fears he has because of what he has gone through. People have been unfair to him just because of the color of his skin, and that's what angers me the most. To know that he may not be given the same opportunities as someone else or that he is looked at as some kind of a threat. To know that he could be hurt because of his skin color. It all scares me. We all want our significant others to be safe, but it's more than that in an interracial relationship.
I pray every day and night for his safety, and I despise the realization that anything can happen to him.
I never understood the fear of getting stopped by the cops until we were dating. I began to understand how he felt whenever a cop was driving behind us. I knew he was nervous, but I know I'll never be able to fully understand it. When he explained how he felt about that subject, I listened and respected what he was saying. All I can do is be there and help calm his fears as best as I can. I know he won't disrespect authority or lash out at any officer. I just always pray that a cop isn't afraid of him either.
No one deserves to be treated differently because of their race, lose an employment opportunity or a chance to fall in love, no matter what. Everyone deserves a chance at everything.
I'm glad I've had this opportunity in life to fall in love with my boyfriend because it's taught me so much. It's taught me that racism still exists and that it may never go away.
It has taught me that there will be many challenges for those in interracial relationships.
But, it has also taught me that God is in complete control.
Being in this relationship has given me a completely new perspective on love and life. My boyfriend has taught me to be more accepting of anyone and everyone and to give everyone a fair chance. He has also taught me how to strive for the things I want in life. He and God got me through college.
I admire him for his strength, both physically and mentally, and his selfless attitude towards helping others. He has been there for me no matter what, through some of my toughest times, just like I have been there for him.
We have learned how to communicate with each other, help each other through anything that may come our way and how to better ourselves as individuals and a couple. Even though there are times that are difficult, there is nothing like being totally smitten with another person. There is nothing like having the whole world stop when you are with your significant other. We always have a good time whenever we are together.
I'm blessed, honored and happy to be his woman.