Brent and I were high school batch mates. Through a famous social site in the Internet, we reconnected. We chatted almost everyday. After a few weeks, he asked for my number. From then on, endless exchange of text messages and calls took place. The moment came when we finally met for the first time after 13 years. After that initial met up, it was succeeded by countless dates. He consistently goes to my house after meeting my family and relatives. After a few months of pursuing me, I decided to give it a try. My decision to say yes to him was the best feeling I had felt. The mutual understanding and the great relationship was never expected for in the first place, we never thought we would click. Totally different in personality, interests and views in life, our relationship was never deemed to be positive and fruitful. We’re both very happy with each other and what’s good about us is, we compliment our differences. Until the subsequent events happened…

All of a sudden, my parents were not agreeable to the relationship. Most especially my Mom, she told me to stay away from him because his family and work background are not upright for her. Being raised in a very religious family, my Mom has beyond average standards when it comes to dealing with people, especially for her daughter’s sake. If the person does not meet her expectations, she will possibly ward it off by hook or by crook. In addition, I discovered something about my boyfriend’s past that brought doubt to my trust in him. These happenings came about in succession that brought a stressful environment for me. My family’s push to end it right away and my personal struggle to this relationship, led me to the decision to give it up. Efforts made by him were endless. There were even times when he showed up in front of the house trying to talk to me, or asking my Mom’s permission to converse with me. But to his dismay, he ended up a failure all the time. For three months of winning me back, I somewhat gave him the chance to explain. When we talked about the complicated situation, he told me he was sorry about not telling beforehand about his past. And about my parents, he would do his best to meet up with their rulebook of expectations. All because of my great love for him, I found it easier to accept his mistakes and the promise to be closer to my family. We both thought this would be a great start of a healthier relationship, but it did not. Instead of trusting him again, I kept on doubting his actions and it aggravated. From time to time, I check on his phone or call his office. Monitoring him was never beneficial most especially for me. And the worst thing happened when my Mom stood up to her principles and told me that she could never accept my boyfriend even in her deathbed.

Hurting and contemplating, my eyes were never restful for weeks. Him and me against the world plus, the shaking foundation of my trust. As much as I would want us to linger because I saw his determination and the change, my family’s cry can never be unheard. I never want to choose between him and my family but what can I do? I love him but I cannot be with him. I love him but I also love my family. Until now, the decision is still hanging and it causes a great burden in my heart and mind. Thinking it over to end the relationship is easier said than done. I do not also want to hurt my family. Now torn between, I must make the best decision. Even if it wounds me, sacrificing my happiness is highly important for my family. And so, I ended my story with a goodbye.