I'm from a Muslim family - my parents aren't very religious, but they are keen for me to marry another Muslim. Problem is, I’ve done the unthinkable and fallen in love with a Sikh boy. We've been living together for two years and now want to get married. His family is supportive, but I’m terrified of telling my Dad about us. I don’t want to hurt my parents, but I know this is the right decision for me. How can I break the news?

Susan advises
I'm not denying that this is a difficult situation. But you have a lot going for you. First, you and your fiancé have a track record of a successful relationship. You’re not relying on romance and passion to carry you through; you've lived together, you’ve got to know each other, you're married in everything but name. That should count for a lot with your parents.

Secondly, you have already proved that you can be persuasive over this. Your fiancée's parents could have objected to your marriage just as much as your parents could - but you got them on your side. Ask yourself just what you did right in order to get them enrolled - then do that again with your parents.

Finally, remember that prejudices are based on generalities. So if your parents think of you marrying "a man", unspecified, they will likely think of another Muslim and object to anyone who isn’t. But if they meet your fiancé, see him as an individual with his own individual strengths, get to know him as a real person who cares for you and makes you happy, they are much less likely to have objections.

Of course tackle this tactfully. Of course expect it to take time. But have confidence; you have a better chance of success here than you think.