Lady Sings the Blues

I'm a 28-year-old professional woman who is involved with a blue-collar man who is working two jobs. We've been together for three years and he is all that I could want and then some. He's honest, respectful of me and my daughter from a previous relationship and very dependable. Overall, he's a wonderful companion. The only problem I have is that he is a college dropout and my family and friends have been pressuring me to dump him as they feel I can "do better." I know my relationship is none of their business, but my family is very close-knit and their acceptance of my partner means a lot to me.

A: You're right about one thing: The relationship is none of their business. You should not allow family or friends to pressure you into ending up a satisfying, fulfilling and wonderful relationship. Family and friends should be happy that you found a lovely man and have been in a strong and supportive three-year relationship.

It is often very difficult to find the right person. Who cares if he's blue collar and a college dropout? As long as he is all of what you say he is, his academic status seems unimportant. From what you've said in your letter, you are not the one who is bothered by his decision to drop out of college.

Even though you value your relationship with your family and friends, realize that you should not allow their elitist attitude to jeopardize your happiness with a good man who loves and cares for you and your child.