DEAR ABBY: I am 18 and live with my parents. I have a part-time job and I also attend a local university. My parents and I have always gotten along, and I have been obedient and respectful of their rules.
I have suffered from depression for years, but now I have finally met someone who makes me happy and feel like I am worth something. Abby, he is of a different race. This doesn’t mean anything to me. I know he’s a great guy and I really like him. The problem is, my parents are very racist.
How do I break it to them? Am I wrong for being with a genuine, amazing guy who finally makes me happy? – FINALLY MET SOMEONE IN PENNSYLVANIA
DEAR FINALLY MET SOMEONE: I’m glad you are finally feeling better about yourself as a person, but before discussing this with your parents, it would be better if you separate the issues of your chronic depression and your feelings for this young man.
If this relationship were to end for some reason, would you cycle back down? If your parents react badly – as they may – would you be able to live independently? Are your parents capable of moderating their attitude about people of a different race? And because racism can be universal, how does his family feel about you?