Dear Windwalker,

My heart goes out to you in this situation. It seems to be that when it comes to matters of the heart, it can get complicated. You have two options here. Let's explore them both.

Option #1: You can break it off with your boyfriend and marry the person your family has arranged for you. How would this make you feel? You would be making your family happy and you would stay in their good graces. Would you be able to live with this decision?

Option #2: You can go against your family's wishes and marry the man that you have chosen. What would the result of this be? Would your family learn to accept that you are an adult and you can choose your own path or would you need to make a life separate from your family?


Each one of us has our own journey in this life. Our parents don't choose it and neither do we. It is something that is inside of us and we are the only ones that can know what is right. The only advice that I have is to look inside yourself and explore who you truly are. In my experience, when I do not live my life authentically, I am not happy.

As far as culture goes, this can be hard for older generations to accept. As we open our hearts and our minds to other races, cultures, and religions we find that everyone is the same. We all laugh, cry, hurt, and love in the same way.

You need to make a decision that you can live with for
a lifetime. If you would like help sorting out your feelings, give me a call. Good luck.

Coach Terri