Zee.A's picture

Zee.A

image

18 and given no right.

I am an 18yr old British christian girl in a relationship with my 19yr old Palestinian/Jordanian bf for almost 2 years in may. My parents have recently found out about him and how seriously commited we are and they do not accept because he's muslim. I'm in my last year of highschool while my bf moved to Montreal Canada for university. The plan is for me to follow him. Unfortuantely I live in Saudi Arabia, and I'm under his name when it comes to his work permit "Iqama", I have no right whatsoever in this country. Although I want to persue my education is Montreal,  my dad refuses to let me go. My parents think I'm only thinking of being with my bf. I honestly not only want to go for my bf, it's also good for me concerning my education but what is so hard to believe in my parents' minds?? My dad thinks I'm not thinking clearly and I'm just a child and I didnt consider the future. I've told him several times, we both dont plan on getting married until after uni but he thinks otherwise. He mentioned he didnt want muslim grandchildren. My bf and I have talked about religion and family conflicts. Although I choose not to convert to Islam we both respect each others religion, and our children will be brought up knowing about both and would be their choice of religion when they are older. There's only a problem when my dad chooses to create one. There are so many details im lacking, so confused.. please help!

Share this

Comments

Faerenach's picture

Faerenach

image

Sounds like you've got a lot of challenges to face.  It's always hard when parents don't accept your choices - you feel as if they don't trust you or believe you to do the right thing.  So how do you try to regain that trust?

 

I know what it feels like to have a long-distance, cross-cultural relationship.  My boyfriend is from Spain, and I from Canada.  He moved here for me, a point I still feel minutely guilty about.  But he wants to be here, and I want him to be here, and we've made an effort to be independent as well as dependent.  I think a good relationship is a mix of both.

 

And your parents are probably just worried about you being dependent on him.  Have they met your boyfriend?  Have they had him over for dinner, or sat down in the living room to chat?  You say they 'found out about him'... were you hiding the relationship from them?  That might be some reason they lost trust in you.  I would try to rebuild the lines of communication first.  If they still don't like each other, that's fine, but try.  And have a plan.  If you are going to Montreal to be with him (I'm guessing McGill?), choose a subject you are passionate about.  University is a time to find out a lot about yourself, and change - sometimes a great deal.  If your parents believe that you are being true to yourself and not just following some guy, maybe they'll understand that you're making a choice that is true to who you are.

Zee.A's picture

Zee.A

image

My dad wants me to go to england so i can be with my grandma and relatives. But honestly its not what I want. My boyfriend suggested that if it really doesn't work out with me going to Montreal that he'd transfer to England. But i don't want him to do that and disturb his studies and change what he has always wanted when I could possibly have some miracle of a chance in goin to Montreal.

 

No my parents haven't met him because a year ago I was on the phone with my boyfriend and my dad physically abused me to the point I was covered in bruises. I was scared to introduce him because my dad said he'd never accept him. Now that my dad found out all the details about my boyfriend and I he has threatened to kill my boyfriend if he sees him. Then later on, he claims that if my boyfriend really wanted to be with me and cared for me that he wouldve introduced himself. What am I supposed to do?? He threatened to do things to my boyfriends dad that would ruin my relationship.

My dad hasn't supported me with anything concerning my application or university choices. My boyfriend has paid for my application, my papeps to be sent and everything. Now that my application is complete I'm waiting for a reply. I dont know how else to prove to my dad that this is what I want. Honestly I'm lazy about things and never work for anything when Im not really interested. My boyfriend and I did it all on our own and I know which majors I'm very passionate about.

Faerenach's picture

Faerenach

image

It sounds as if your father is a lot less reasonable than I gave him credit for.  If your father is hurting you, that's too far.  The only advice I have is to do what seems right to you.  If that means refusing the wishes of your parents, then so be it.  Just make sure that you have more than one plan.  Things never turn out exactly the way we think they will.

Galaxy_Power's picture

Galaxy_Power

image

Faerenach is mostly right, I would also like to add in WOO CANADA!...Sorry I like my country, I think we have it not that bad here. Anyway, ya basically what Faerenach said, but it IS your life, your choice, and one of my number one rules is that it should never matter who we love, be it a man or a woman, muslim or christain, black or white or yellow or red. Sadly other groups can not accept this >.>...But really, there comes a time when we all have to take complete control of our life, just make sure you are ready, and know what you are doing...atleast enough to know where each choice can land you.

What your dad did was completely wrong, no matter where you came from. You never deserved it, not many people in this world would deserve beatings really...(I admit there are times that a couple people either in history or now I just wanted to give the ol' 1-to-50) But you were just trying to have a life...*Sigh* T'is hard some things in life, then again, if life was as easy as sitting back and smiling, what would be the point really? Still, not right at all. Hope ya'are feeling good right now, though personally its been too sunny here lately for me, not enough rain...How is it in Quebec?

The_Omnissiah's picture

The_Omnissiah

image

Interesting indeed.  I have to say your situation is a lot more convaluted than mine.  :(

 

 

I can only wish you peace.

As-Salaamu Alaikum

-Omni