Here is a message we received in our inbox. We will appreciate your contributions on this issue. Remember that a problem shared is a problem half solved. If you have an issue bothering you, feel free to send a mail to duchessintmagazine@yahoo.com
Dear Duchess,
My name is Fatima, Please can you give me some help. I have a problem and I am not sure what to do. I am a third-year university student. I come from a very strict, traditional family. My parents have very strong ideas about how we should be I have two older sisters, who we should marry and how we should raise our children.
My two older sisters are both married with children and don’t seem to have issues with my parents. They married men from our culture that our parents approved of. They send their children to the school that we all attended. It is a very exclusive, private school and my parents pay the fees.
My parents love us and want what is best for us
There are certain ways to do things and as long as this happens there are no problems. I tried to push back on some issues when I was a teen, and I always got told that this is how we do it, as it has always been this way in our culture and family.
The problem is that I want different things for my life
I started dating a guy that I am studying with at the beginning of the year. I have had to hide this from my parents because he is of a different race and culture to what I am.
My father will, without a doubt, take me out of university if he discovers this. I do not like to deceive them and I do not want to hurt them or their reputation, but I love this man and can see us having a future together.
I am going home for the holiday and I don’t know how to live a lie. I don’t know what will happen going forward and I am dreading the holiday where I will be constantly reminded of the traditions and family ways.
Please can you give me some advice?
