Dear MIRIAM: Mum lays down law.

Byline: Dr MIRIAM STOPPARD 

Dear Miriam I'M fed up overhearing my boyfriend's mum telling him he should only date Jewish girls, as he has to marry one.

He's not bothered but it bugs me I'm not good enough just because I don't share their religion. We're both 19.

We've been seeing each other for three months and I like him a lot but should I break up with him before he does what his mum says and dumps me?

ALL relationships need sensitivity and commitment and interfaith relationships require an extra dollop of both. You shouldn't take his parents' hostility personally. Their faith is very important to them and, right or wrong, they expect their son to share their view.

Ask yourselves if this relationship is worth the additional work needed to make it a success.

If you are both in love, feel committed and agree you are prepared to withstand constant pressure, you may find the strength to stay together.

If not, it might be wise to cool things before you are both faced with some very difficult choices.