Boyfriend’s American parents think my folks deal drugs - They are determined to pry us apart

Dear Pastor,

I am 19 and I live in America. I was born there but my parents are Jamaicans. My boyfriend and I are in college but his parents don't like me because of my Jamaican connection.

They wonder where my parents got money to buy such a beautiful home and are able to send me to college. They even accused my parents of probably dealing in drugs. My boyfriend wanted us to get engaged but we did not go through with it because of his folks.

Pastor, my parents work very hard. They love my boyfriend but his people are great pretenders. His parents wanted him to have a relationship with a girl from Puerto Rico, but his heart is not with that girl. Do you suggest that we can still get engaged and married without his parents' knowledge? We are still in love. Help me to make a decision.

Unnamed.

Dear Writer,

What your boyfriend's parents do not understand is that you and he are over 18. You are adults and you can make your own decisions. Of course, it is always good when parents give their blessings on a relationship.

If parents are aware of bad things on either side, then they ought to declare what these negatives are. But what your boyfriend's parents are saying is silly. The truth is, they need to keep their mouths shut and leave both of you alone.

Some people are indeed very jealous of Jamaicans. Jamaicans go to the USA and many of them work very hard and accomplish much, to the amazement of born Americans who have wasted their money. It is always the desire of most Jamaicans, not only to have an education, but to have property. I congratulate your parents. Your boyfriend's parents are jealous of your parents. So, hear me now, continue to have a relationship with this young man. You do not have any reason to end the relationship with him. Both of you are young so you do not need to rush into marriage.

Your boyfriend should not try to love a woman who his parents chose for him. You are his heartbeat and that is how it should remain. His parents may change their minds and come to love you after seeing how determined both of you are to be together. That is all I have to say on this matter.

Pastor