I just feel as if I am living in a prison. My parents always seemed to be understanding people but recently they have changed their tune and want to know what I am doing and where I am going all the time. I blame my cousins for this. Their daughter got married to this guy her parents didn't like. She soon moved away from home.

They are close cousins and it was a very strange time during which I just kept my mouth shut because I knew I couldn't take sides. Her parents are very bitter and come to our house and are always looking at me in a funny way.

I have no intention of following in her footsteps and just feel this episode has made my life hell. My parents have started making comments about how family is important and have even got my brother to follow me on occasions when I have gone to the library.

I want to go to university next year but don't know how my parent s would react now. I also want to say that I feel some people in our community make it so hard for youngsters because they make it seem that we are all interested in the same things.

PY

Blackburn

MASSI SAYS,

I can understand your sentiments concerning this . Sometimes I think events in someone else's family can take centre stage when discussions take place within our households.

I think your parents are just reacting to what your cousin's have been telling them. They are obviously fearful about their own children. It is unfair but you must understand that when things like this happen within our families these kind of consequences are unavoidable. It shouldn't happen but it does.

I just feel your parents need to have more trust in you and remember it was them who brought you up. The only way you can make them understand is just talk to them about your future plans and what they mean to you. I know it can very difficult to go on living like this but I'm sure your parents will slowly come to realise that you and other people's children are different people. I agree with your view that sometimes people are always painted with the same brush.

Let me know how things develop.