· By Darby Allan
Does Your Family Hate The Boyfriend?
It's a time old story - the bond between two people being tested by disapproving family members. You can feel the tension in the air, as you debate between pleasing your parents and following your heart. Will you choose love or tradition? This is not an easy question to answer, but one thing is for sure: If you don't confront these issues head on, they only stand to get worse. Just look at Monster-in-Law if you need convincing of that! No matter how difficult it may be, it's important to face this problem together and search for a compromise.
Identify if the situation is fixable
Evaluating whether or not the situation is fixable requires taking some time and self-reflection. Consider what the reason might be that your family doesn't like your boyfriend: could it be his style, mannerisms, age difference, religious beliefs, or something else? Once you identify why your family may not like him, it's a good idea to evaluate how much of an issue it is for you as well. If you still think this person is right for you despite any opposition from your family, then take measures to try and mend the relationship if possible.
They Can Be Right
Before you go against your family's wishes, take a step back and consider if it's really worth the risk. Think about what it could mean to lose their love and support, without being able to turn back. Don't be too hasty in dismissing their advice - while they may not always have the best intentions, they may have some valid points. As John Lennon said, love isn't blind - but it can still cloud our judgment. Keep your mind clear and weigh the pros and cons of this decision carefully before taking any action.Don't Keep It A Secret
It's not wise to try and keep your relationship a secret in an attempt to make both sides satisfied. Doing so is unlikely to bridge the gap between you and your parents, and it will also make your partner feel like you're ashamed of them. Trying to stay neutral in a brewing conflict only serves to make things worse. If you are hoping for a resolution, then you have to take action and choose one side.
What Do Your Friends Think
It might be beneficial to consider talking to others outside of your family about your relationship with your boyfriend, just like on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. You don't have to publicly share it on social media, but ask people you trust for their opinions and feedback. Seeing this situation through another's eyes can help you make up your mind about who is right and who is wrong in this situation.
The Bottom Line
Despite any opposition from your family, the choice of who you choose to be in a relationship with is ultimately up to you. It's important to take the time to understand why your family may not like your boyfriend, if that is indeed true. From there, make sure to assess how much of an issue it is for you and then decide if this person is right for you or not. Finally, consider whether the situation is fixable or not and make steps towards repair if possible. Taking all of these measures will help in making this difficult decision with your wellbeing and relationships in mind.
