England - We’ve been together just over two years.

When, Where and/or How did you meet your BF/GF/Wife/Husband?

Alesha: 3 years ago I went to university to study a law and I met my friends Sam and Lawrence. They were best friends with Kyle and always talked about him. Apparently they used to talk to Kyle about me as well. So simultaneously we looked each other up on Facebook (although we did not find out about this well after). Anyway… fast forward to summer. Kyle offered to pick up me, Lawrence, Sam and a group of friends up from the coach station as we we’re off to Spain and needed a lift. That is the first time I saw him.

What was your first impression of your partner?

Alesha: He was absolutely beautiful and tall!!! He’s 6’4. I have always gone for tall guys but he was the entire package. Tall and beautiful, at the risk of sounding cheesy. He was wearing sun glasses and jeans and I remember thinking that he looked like he was in a rock band! Hehe

When did you first know you are falling in love?

Alesha: Instantly. The first time I met him, I could not stop thinking about him. I never felt that way before. A week later we met after my holiday and we went to a folk festival with our friends and we spent the entire night by each other’s side. Apparently, even though we met face to face once, he couldn’t stop thinking about me. After the festival I went back to where I lived ( which was very far from his) so we messaged each other everyday. And I just knew he was the one, honestly it was within a matter of days.

What has been the response from your family and/or friends about your relationship?

Alesha: They’re all for it | Aside from one family member, who I never met before. They have been fully supportive.

Have you ever received a comment as an interracial couple? If so, what was your reaction?

Alesha: Yes!! From that one family member ( once again who I never met and had on Facebook) who said that white people look down on black people and that I wanted to be white which is why I am with him. To be honest, it was not even hurtful because the person in question is very bitter, so I took it with a pinch of salt. However it was an eye opener that there is so much hate in the world!

Ever tried the cuisine from your partners’ culture? If yes, what is your favourite dish?

Alesha: Yes and yes. My partner absolutely loves West Indian Food. He has tried roti, pilau, stew chicken. The lot. My mum is an amazing cook. And I had already tried British cuisine before meeting him but I have to admit he makes an amazing traditional English roast.

What stereotype(s) have you found to be TRUE and/or FALSE with your partner?

Alesha: Hmm… I love chicken. Which is guess is the stereotype. He LOVES tea!! He drinks 4-5 cups a tea a day, which is truly British. As a trini, I do love soca music and rum. One night he and my brother came back to my mum’s and we were both drinking rum and listening to reggae. So very stereo-typical! However overall, I don’t feel like either of us are very stereo-types. Kyle is the most unique person I have met and he feels the same about me. But that must be love

What is the craziest things you two have done together?

Alesha: He lived with me two years of my university adventure so I guess all the crazy nights we had out, dressing up as anything from superhero characters, to pirates, to painting our entire bodies red on Halloween. We definitely had a great university experience. Lots of tequila , lots of dancing and partying.

What advice would you have for someone who is looking for love or would like to start an IR relationship but maybe hesitant?

Alesha: For me and Kyle we are lucky that we live in England and so unlike places like America being in a IR has never been a problem. But even if we lived in a skeptical place I would say that love is not about race. Yes, there needs to be attraction, but if you find someone who treats you like you are the only person in the world then you need to grab on him or her and never let go. You only live once in life and life is very long, so it’s best to live it with people who love you. It may be hard to have family members or friend disprove, but if they cannot be happy for you then you have to question whether they really care for you.

What is the best advice you have ever received from your BF/GF/Wife/Husband?

Alesha: The best advice I ever got from my love was to live each day as if its your last. And that does not mean go sky diving or traveling… but it means things like never going to bed angry. Never letting people leave with saying I love you because at the end of the day life is both long and short. If we are fortunate to live until we are 80 then it will be a very long and fulfilled life, however there is no guarantee for tomorrow. So as long as I go to bed or leave the house with the people in my life knowing how much they mean to me, then I am happy. Also, I would like to say is happiness is the most important thing in the world. I did a law degree with the intention of having a great career, but after meeting Kyle I realize all of that pales into comparison, when I think of our relationship! I would choose him over anything. Thanks again for the interest. Wish everyone lots of love and happiness.