I am a white woman dating a black guy

What is wrong with this picture? Absolutely nothing. Actually, this photo of Heidi Klum and Seal is a great example of how interracial relationships can work and there is nothing wrong with checking out a man of a different race.

Not so for one of my readers, who I think has some racial prejudices of her own, and of course, she confirms that her parents are racists. "I met this guy as a family friend and I tried to hold off dating him as he is 20 and I am 25. He is also black but was brought up by a white family so he speaks well and he is practically white! But with these two issues being there I really do find myself heavily attracted to him. I have no problem being in public with him and showing affection but my problem comes in with the family as I am living with them and I am not sure if they would approve of our relationship! My parents stay in another city but one thing they said to me was I must never bring a black guy home. I am afraid that they will not accept this and it would put strain on the relationship! I'm considering telling them as he is really a great guy. It is just he is younger and of different colour. How do I tell them without their freaking out?" she asks.

You are an adult and you have to stand up for your choices now. I don't necessarily recommend picking fights with family members but it appears that your parents are racists.

You have an important decision to make now - How much do you love this man? If you are serious about this man, then you need to stand up for your choice and tell your parents that racism is not right and you do not approve of their thinking. Tell them politely that you love this man and his skin color has no role whatsoever in how you feel about him.

If you think that it is only a casual relationship and not worth spoiling family harmony, it is OK to breakup with him right away. You can simply tell him that you want to end the relationship - telling him that you are breaking up because of his skin color is not appropriate.

In the future, before you want to date a man, you must also think about your choice. Do you want to date someone you like or do you want to date someone that your parents like?

Finally, a 5-year age difference is not relevant. You guys are in the same age bracket; couples today are dating across generations and a couple has tied the knot with a 58-year age gap.