Dear Dr. Romance: My Parents Are Racists
By Dr. Tina Tessina. Posted on .
From what you tell me, this is a good relationship. It is very important that he treats you well and you work well together, even though your parents don't understand that. I recommend that you keep telling your parents that you love them, you don't want to dishonor them, but you must build your own life. Keep expressing your gratitude that they gave you what you need to live a happy, fulfilling life. Express your regret that you cannot make them happy. Keep building success in your life with your partner.
Eventually, they may come around to see that your path is working. In this case, you must be the bigger person, and love them even though they are not being loving right now. In my experience, most families eventually adjust to these differences. Your parents have had to accept many things in their lifetime that they did not want -- they will probably be able to accept this eventually. If they keep sending you money, keep saving it. You may be able to use it to help care for them in their old age.
More from YourTango: What Is A Dysfunctional Relationship?
I wish there were an easy answer to this, but you and your partner are developing a different culture than that of your parents, and that is never the easy path. You are choosing your own happiness and success over the dictates of your family and culture. Your problem is the problem of the New Millennium, in which we are transcending the limits of race and culture. We must be careful to cherish the richness of the original cultures while overcoming their limits. I wish you the best of luck in your new life. "Mirrors and Teachers" and "Creating Family Acceptance" will help you understand them better, and react better. The 10 Smartest Decisions a Woman Can Make Before 40 will give you a lot of information about building an independent life.
