DEAR Massi, I have been studying for such a long time now and at the end of it I hope to do something with the education.

But my parents are under pressure from some family friends to get me married. It makes me so angry when I think about it.

My parents have always encouraged me to get on with my studies and aim for the best grades. I understand I have a responsibility towards my parents because they have done everything for me. I will get married and to whom my parents say as I have always respected their decision.

However, these very interfering family friends are always telling my parents about what MY future should be. I am prepared to listen to my parents but not them.

What's the point of sitting through so many exams and doing hours of studying when at the end of it I can't put it into practice. I have a friend who has the same problem. Deep down I think my parents understand but they seem to be stuck in the middle. Is there any way out?

Miss Y M

Bolton

Massi says,

It is understandable you feel so angry about things.

From what you say your parents seem very understanding people and you should try to sit down and talk to them about this issue once and for all. They will probably side with you.

After all they did encourage you to study in the first place.

If you think are not ready to get married then I think your parents will understand if you tell them what your future aspirations are and what what kind of career you want. Try to suggest that it's not a case of you not wanting to get maried full stop but a case of wanting to do so at a later date.

There is no point getting annoyed about things when they haven't even happened yet. It may be just that your parents don't say anything back to your 'family friends'. That doesn't mean they are going to plan your future around what other people are saying.