My boyfriend's parents say I'm too black

Dear Pastor,

I am a Jamaican and I am having a problem. I met a man and I fell in love with him. I should say that we both fell in love. We couldn't stay apart from each other for long. He is half white, but his parents are prejudiced. They think black people should do menial jobs, such as cleaning the floor and washing people's dirty clothes. When I met his mother, she did not shake my hand and I could not understand what she was telling him because they were in a room arguing.

When he came out, he told me that she was asking why he had to love such a black person. He was very upset. Pastor, my parents and everybody in my family loves him. I don't have to work if I don't want to, but I love to have my own money, so I work. He had a girlfriend, and she came to Jamaica and left before the two weeks she was set to spend ended She didn't like Jamaica.

His contract will expire soon and he wants us to get married. I would like to marry him, but I don't know if I should marry a man whose people don't like me. This woman saw photographs of me before she met me, but when she saw me in person, she said I was too black. I cannot like her if she doesn't like me.

S.L.

Dear S.L.,

I would not discourage you from marrying this man if you believe that he loves you and you love him. His mother doesn't care for you. His parents may not love you, but I could tell you that if you are wise, you won't say anything negative about them and you would love this man as a wife should and take care of him as you should. Prove by your actions, and by living happily with this man, that both of you are experiencing true love. You would also show to his parents that the colour of one's skin is not what is important in a relationship.

This man had a girlfriend who came to Jamaica and intended to stay for two weeks and left early. I wonder if she heard about you. You didn't say whether this man and you were having an intimate relationship at that time. Anyhow, if true love exists between this man and you, remain with him. Don't pay any attention to his people.

Pastor