Dr. Romance: Tips For Interracial Relationships
By Dr. Tina Tessina. Posted on .
Dear Dr. Romance:
I am in a relationship with a man who twenty years younger. He is black, and I am white. We are very much in love. The problem is that my parents are very much against my dating a black man. They do not like the age difference either, but the being black is worse. This is causing a problem in our relationship because I am putting up a wall between us because of my parents. I know how old I am and that I should not let my parents rule my life, but I am very close to my parents and my family.
More from YourTango: Dear Dr. Romance: why are men in their mid 40s-50s attracted to 2
I have 3 brothers. All of them are also against me being with a black man. I have a son, so all I want for him is to be happy, and he wants me to be happy. I wish my parents felt the same way about me.
I am so happy and in love with this man. I feel like we have to sneak around and hide because of my parents. I feel like a teenager who is going to get caught. Should I tell them that I have continued to date this man, even though they have forbidden it? I feel like I can move on with my life if I tell them, but I may lose my parents and brothers for good. What do you think? Thank you for any help you can give me.
Dear Reader:
In my experience with people who fall in love outside of their families' expectations, and I've seen many (including cross-cultural and gay relationships) the families object as long as they think they have a chance of dissuading the family member from staying in the relationship. In most cases (not all) once the family understands the relationship is not going anywhere, they accept it. They may never get comfortable, but they don't disown you.
More from YourTango: What Is A Dysfunctional Relationship?
More Juicy Content From YourTango:
