When Dates Illuminate

The conversations had been illuminating. I could say intellectually stimulating. Illumination is the best way to describe my interaction with him. Newly back on the dating scene, I decided that intentionality was the way to go. I needed to open myself to a partner that was proactive in his growth as I am with mine. I wanted to engage with a man who wanted to get married and be a father. I wanted to make sure that we were compatible and not settling out of desperation. I needed someone who could handle me in my Blackness in the same way that he can contribute to my passionate discussions about race and humanity.

Enter Jacob*. He’s a young lawyer in the Los Angeles area, Middle Eastern Jewish, and happens to live near one of my favorite malls. According to him, he loves to utilize his legal background to aid the Black community. We both agreed in using our areas of strength to uplift those who are marginalized because we genuinely believe in equity. He found my dating profile refreshing because I was going after what I want and I agreed with him. Jacob wasn’t afraid to ask about how I felt about interracial dating.

“My last two relationships happened to be interracial. One was extremely unhealthy and toxic, the other was very beautiful and affirming,” I revealed.