Dear Abigail...

Dear Abigail,

     I have met the love of my life. He is handsome, caring, charming, and everything else you could ask for in a man. We have one big problem though. Our families are lifelong enemies and have always been feuding. Even our friends do not get along. We want so desperately to be together but if our families found out that we have seen each other, it could cause so much trouble. Abigail, we want to marry but my family has already chosen a husband for me. I would rather die than live the rest of m life with this man I can never truly love. Abigail, please help me with this forbidden love.

Sincerely,

Beauty On The Balcony

Dear Beauty,

     I understand that love can be a very powerful thing but you both must take a moment to think of what is best for yourselves and your families. If your family was to disown you for being with your true love, could you deal with that? Would being disowned be a better choice than living without this young man you love so greatly? If you love this young man so much that you are willing to be disowned, it might be worth a try to tell your families of your love for each other.  Your relationship might even end this feud and bring your families together. If your family truly loves you, and of course they do, they will eventually accept your love for this young man and welcome him into the family. 

Dear Abigail,

     My only daughter is not at all worried about being married right away. She is nearly fourteen and I have told her many times before that when I was her age I was already her mother! I do not understand why she is not interested in marriage even when we have a handsome young man willing to marry her at once. Abigail, please tell me what I can say to convince her that marrying this young man would make her so happy.

Sincerely,

A Distressed Matchmaking Mother

Dear Matchmaking Mother,

     Have you considered the thought that the reason your daughter may not want to marry is because she does not truly love this man you have chosen for her? While you may see it as a fit match, there may be outside reasons holding your daughter back. This may not be acceptable to you but if she has her heart set on someone else she will not be fond of marrying another young man. It may be time for a heart to heart talk with your daughter. Be open and give her your full attention as she may have something important to tell you. 

Julianna Jaime