Dear Coleen

PARENTS DON’T APPROVE OF GIRLFRIEND

I’m a man aged 33 and I’ve been with my girlfriend for just over a year. She’s 26 and has a son, who’s five, from a previous relationship.

My problem is, my parents refuse to take my relationship seriously and

I’m sure are hoping it’ll just fizzle out and I’ll move on. I think they’re being snobbish if I’m honest because she had a baby young and doesn’t fit the mould of the type of woman they see me with.

It’s infuriating and, although I love my parents, I don’t like them very much right now. Their attitude stinks.

They’ve only met her and her son once, and the atmosphere was frosty to say the least – their fault, not hers. Any ideas on how I should play this situation?

Coleen says

Yes, you’re a grown man, so step up and make your own decisions. If you love this woman and it’s not “good enough” for your parents, then it’s their issue to deal with. Hopefully, if you give them some space (easy at the moment!), they’ll have time to reflect on the situation and realise nothing is worth losing their son over.

Have they even tried to get to know her?

You love your parents, but they don’t have the right to choose a partner for you. I would never want any of my kids to have to make that choice. Yes, it’s great if everyone gets on like a house on fire, but it’s not always possible.

I don’t know why your parents would take this attitude, but ask yourself what you’d do if you did break up with your girlfriend because of pressure from them. Sit on your own being miserable and resenting them, while they get on with their own lives?

If you love this woman and see a future together with her, then don’t let anyone stand in the way of that.