Dear Massi, I am going out with this guy and he is really nice but his dad has a reputation.

His dad has had quite a number of relationships and is now on his third wife. When I told my parents who I wanted to marry they got angry.

They said I can choose anyone but not him as his family has got a bad reputation. They are afraid that the son will turn out like his dad.

I have tried to explain to them that he is different but my parents are not listening. They say it will be big embarrassment for them to go through with this wedding.

My boyfriend is upset and says he understands and it is not the first time people have brought up the reputation of his dad.

My parents have now banned me from seeing him completely.

Massi says,, It is only natural that your parents are being protective as they have your best interests at heart.

However, it is up to you to show your parents that you are a mature woman capable of making the right choices in life.

You should sit your parents down without your boyfriend in the room and have a calm, mature heart to heart. They may be completely unaware of what your boyfriend is actually like. Without being defensive, ask them to have faith in the way they have brought you up and that they have taught you wisely how to make the right decision.

Explain that your boyfriend abhors his own father's behaviour, and that it is not fair to judge him because of his father.

Ask your parents to give your boyfriend time and try to get to know him themselves.

When they see how happy he makes you and how well he treats you, hopefully he can win over your parents' hearts and they will see him as the great guy you know him to be