Have your family/friends ever forced you to end a relationship?
IF you’re a fan of 90 Day Fiancé on TLC , you would be moved by the family dynamics now at play in Pedro and Chantel’s relationship – a couple from the US and the Dominican Republic who got married on a fiancé visa to live together in the States. The newly-weds have been fighting with both sets of their parents, after Pedro, like many other Caribbean immigrants, insisted on sending back money and gifts to his family in the Dominican Republic, while Chantel insists that he should leave and cleave. One of their most explosive fights resulted in Pedro’s family calling on him to divorce the American girl, who they say could never understand the demands of his culture for family first. He is now torn between his mother and his new bride, who insists that all his attention (and money) should be directed at his new family.
Often, family and friends inject themselves into their loved ones’ relationships, some with good intentions, others without. Some succeed in driving a wedge between the couples, ultimately causing a break-up. Have you ever experienced this? Below, a few people reflect on how their family or friends influenced them to end their relationships.
Brianna C, 20:
Just last year my parents got really strict and forced me to stop seeing a guy I was dating. I am happy they did, because I couldn’t see through his lies. I don’t regret it. He wasn’t the one for me. As a matter of fact, I don’t think he’s the one for anybody.
Elaine B, 50:
My family forbade me from seeing my boyfriend when I was 18. They thought he wasn’t good enough for me because of his family background. But he was always the one because we are married today.
Rick J, 39:
My friend painted a bad picture of my ex-girlfriend because he wanted me to date his sister. Unfortunately I believed him and eventually broke things off. But honestly, she was the best thing that ever happened to me. The women I spoke to after her couldn’t walk in her shoes. I find myself comparing my wife to her many times. I really miss her.
Jason D, 32:
I’m not proud of it, but my mother is colour-prejudiced. Some time ago she found all sorts of problems with my ex because she wasn’t a browning who would give her ‘pretty’ grandchildren. Eventually I got tired of her whining and broke off the relationship. Right now I’m working on trying to rekindle what we had because I believe she’s my Ms Right.
Alexia R, 23:
My friend diplomatically pushed me to break up with an ex, because of a small thing. She didn’t want to tell me upfront about all of his bad ways. I’m happy that she encouraged me to leave him. It’s funny how I didn’t notice certain things until after the break-up. Love is really blind.
