Don't get me wrong! He's not one of those ugly old men who correspond with beautiful, star-struck, under-age girls from poor backgrounds, with silly promises of liaisons and gifts...

And I'm not one of the people who scour personal ads, looking! We're both in our thirties

I am now a firm believer in Fate. I have my friend Ferial to thank for printing his ad and sticking it under my nose... she'd had enough of the losers in my life, and figured that an anonymous relationship would keep me slightly less irritable than usual... probably she even reasoned that my breakfast order each day would now make sense!

I am reasonably attractive, popular, and intelligent. I'm neither desperate for a man, nor financially disadvantaged. I have a great job, am comfortable in my body, and I definitely was not looking to get involved with anyone I couldn't bully!

I hail from sunny South Africa, Frank is in Germany. I'm a natural-born sceptic. I figured that this guy was sending me pictures of someone else... I mean, come on... why would a handsome, professional, stable, property-owner who drives a Porsche be advertising his desire to correspond with females, and particularly me???

It turns out that he was way too busy or lacked the desire to maintain a r/t relationship, and didn't want to starve himself of female company... he chose the easiest route... email!

Man, I was down! Like Ferial, I was also tired of going home to make conversation with bodies minus brains! I was partying, surrounded by all kinds of nasties because it required little thought or effort!

Frank is not only the most exciting man I've ever met, he's only the best. His sense of humour cracks me up, his honesty is thought-provoking, and his body!!! I'm truly blessed! I am happy, for the first time in my fucked up existence, I feel that I'm worth love, and loving.

I created this page because it's the most effective way to convince my man that I am serious... in my love and appreciation, my devotion, and in my gratitude to the Powers-that-be, for bringing my beloved, nosy, bitch girlfriend into my office that day, with the ridiculous command to write immediately!

Yes, we are an interracial couple, if such things matter to you, and hell no, we don't even think about it! Even South Africa's turbulent history hasn't affected me to the point where I hate white folks... I have quizzed and questioned Frank's political leanings, argued hours about issues which are important to me, and we get on just fine, thank you!

And the lovemaking...*sigh and a naughty smile*!

Lucky, huh?!

My guy is funny, strong, tender, honest... I love him more that it is humanly possible to express!

As my mother would have said, had she been alive now to fuck up even this relationship, "he's crazy!"

He tolerates my taste in music, which I know he considers 'different' - I love Hip Hop first, R&B, soul, some rock, lots of progressive house, and surprise... lots of folk! Very little mainstream shit for this baby! He, on the other hand, is a bit difficult to read as regards musical tastes. I think its because he's too busy...

And yes, we HAVE met... In February '98 he came to Cape Town, and fell in love with the city (and me, of course!)... and at the end of May '98 I went to Germany, where he introduced me to his family... Was I accepted? Yup... with open arms, and sweet hospitality

Its now August, and I'll be seeing him in a few days... he's coming here to meet my daughter, who's in South Africa on holiday from college in the US. Cool, huh?!