My name is Ashley Bonds and I am in a long-term relationship with Joe Liu. I am African American and he is Chinese. We are expecting a child in early September.

Joe and I met a decade ago in junior high school. He was one of the sweetest boys that you'd ever want to meet and despite never even having liked a boy ever before, I soon found myself smitten with him. Joe is a very laid back and easy going type of guy - I don't know anyone who didn't instantly like him. He is fun, sweet, and very sexy! He is also a very passionate person... especially when it comes to family and success.

I never imagined that I would meet a man so perfect for me at such an early age, but there he was! Sitting one desk behind me to the left in my writing class smiling and asking for a "writing utensil." He was my first love and at a young age I realized that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. (I must have been certain, because 10 years later I still haven't changed my mind!)

My significant other and I have complimentary personalities and have always gotten along well. I guess you could say I'm the fire and he's the ice. Thank the Lord that we agree on the big issues! There has always been a wonderful chemistry between us, and we never let our backgrounds/way of thinking get in the way of intimacy. We are both very affectionate and loving to one another and I hope to keep it that way (even with baby coming soon).
 
I have always felt that Joe and I had a perfect connection, but life has thrown us quite the strange hurdles. I never had a problem being stared at by strangers when they see me and my significant other. Opinions are quite mixed - some people think we're adorable together, some are confused, and some are downright angry!  We've come to terms that everyone will not accept us. I realize that the weird looks and negativity turn many people off of interracial relationships - its understandable. But you can only let other people live your life for so long.

Luckily for Joe, my family has no hang-ups with interracial relationships. His parents are a different story. They are old school Chinese folks - I think you Asian males know what I'm talking about! It's a shame, but I feel that they will come around one of these days. They have taught him how to be a respectful man, which I appreciate. And I know good people with good intentions when I see them.

Lately I have been so preoccupied with my relationship and my pregnancy that I tend to ramble and miss the point - sorry guys! I will say this though; I don't think I have a preference for Asian men, but once I met my other half, no other man of no other race had a chance! Black women - give these Asian men a chance and vice versa! There's no reason that either of us (BW and AM) should ever feel lonely.