Does your family's opinion make or break your relationship?

Way too often, I hear of relationships failing because of disputes and disagreements with the other’s family members. This is a tough topic to touch on, but I will try to tackle it today.

Tell me what you think. Take this poll.



 Very often, it is said that you marry into a family. But some see it as an opportunity to create a new family with new traditions. In the modern world, the need to get the parents’ approval has diminished. But, there does need to be some sort of effort from both sides to ensure civility and respect. Ultimately, the decision is not of the family but, of the two in a relationship.

In an interview with the Guardian, Jake Gyllenhaal said women have to meet sister Maggie Gyllenhaal's approval for a relationship to work.

 I am inherently a little brother — that's just my nature. It has to do with my sister being very strong and wanting to protect me. It's the natural order of things. That's the way my sister feels about me in every aspect of my life — my work, my relationships. Women have to pass her test. That's very hard for girlfriends.

Sometimes we have to look past the overprotective instinct and accept that maybe they will be happy together. I learned that some people have been threatened with disownment from their family or rejection of their mate. This may be a bit extreme, but I do believe that those on the outside looking in have a better unclouded view. Most times your judgment may be blurred due to lust, infatuation and puppy love. Take the time to listen to your family’s input, but with a grain of salt. The final decision is between the two people in the relationship.

Tell me what you think. Take this poll.