Disapproving parents are ruining my love life

My mother and father never like anyone I date. I already know they will hate the fact my new girlfriend is divorced and that her teenage son lives with her ex.

She and I love each other. She admits that mistakes were made in her past, but she is a different person today. Yet that won’t soothe my mum and dad who will inevitably look down their noses and cause trouble.

When will I get to live my

own life on my terms?

We all yearn for acceptance. Do your parents believe you’re too good for the people you date? Do they have an emotional or financial hold over you?

Speak to them face to face. Thank them for their support but make it clear you need to be free to make your own choices. Clearly you believe your new partner is a good person, so can they give her a chance?

The alternative is that they risk alienation from you – and no one wants that.