Dear Diana,

I am an introvert and don't warm up to new people too easily. It also takes me a long time to warm up to the people I do know. In my boyfriend's case, however, it was love at first sight for both of us. Thing is, while my parents are keen to see us married, his family doesn't really think the world of me. I could put it down to us not having had a proper introduction butu00a0 I'd be kidding myself.

I did meet all of them a couple of times and have attended a few of their family functions (even though I felt unwanted and completely out of place there) and it appears, my boyfriend says, that the general consensus is that I'm a rude person who they don't think they could get along with. I'm not rude, just an introvert. There's a difference and I wish I could make them understand that!

Tanu



Dear Tanu,

So you're shy and not very social. I don't see that as an impediment unless you intend to bond with someone who's the complete opposite. And while you may get along fabulously with your guy, it doesn't mean his family will automatically warm up to you. If it means that much to you, go out of your way and try to mix with them and see how it goes.

Maybe the change will be good for you? Of course, I do understand that you have tried your best and that they still feel it isn't good enough. And if they do find you rude, it can't be helped. They're free to have an opinion of you just as you're free to have an opinion of them. If your guy really loves you and wants to be with you come what may, they will have to learn to deal with it and find it in their hearts and minds to understand where you're coming from.

Because I have no girlfriend, they call me gay!

Dear Diana,

I'm 17 and don't have a girlfriend. All my friends call me gay. I'm attracted to and am aroused by women, not by men. I'm not gay. How do I get them to stop? I feel I'm worthless because I have no girlfriend!