To give a little background on this topic, I am in a relationship with someone long distance. My boyfriend and I rushed into things way too soon and involved our families even before we were sure of our commitment to one another.

However over the next few months, our families anticipated that we would be getting married but we were facing a lot of conflicts (since we both were not up to par with ourselves). This turned my family off from my boyfriend. I realized that my boyfriend was only able to give me what I was myself ready for, and once I explored this belief. I was able to let go of some resistance and our relationship improved dramatically. As it stands today, my boyfriend and I are very content with one another. We realize that there is still some work and catching up to do but we are convinced of each others worth and value for ourselves.

My family however feels that he is not a trustworthy person (some events occurred in my negative phases...that have led them to come to this conclusion). I am very close to my family and love them very much. My dad has very plainly told me that, of course I have free will and am free to do as I please. However, he will not bless and/or support this wedding and will not participate in any way. He says he will continue to love me, as I am his child but my boyfriend is not welcome/part of his life/family.

I realize that my boyfriend and I handled things poorly in the past. My parents asked my boyfriend for some legal documents that he shared with me but was very adamant about not sharing with my parents. His ego would not allow him to share his personal details with my parents (which does not bother me too much).

I strongly believe that even the "flaws" my family sees in my boyfriend can only be part of my existence if I keep paying attention to them. However, when I think of him or am with him, I am able to focus and milk his positives. I genuinely believe we can be very happy together. He has offered and told me that he is always there for me, and if I choose to go and be with him, he will do his best to look after me and support me as he believes we are great for one another too. He does not want to convince/prove this fact to my parents however. He has spoken to them and alerted them of what happened between us.

I have been raised in a reasonably conservative family. Relationships were not openly discussed although my parents did have an open mind and progressive views.

I understand that all will always be well. I can choose status quo and by virtue of my focus can continue to make my life here as good as I want. Or I can choose to go to my boyfriend and start a new chapter in my life with him. I know, and am convinced we are very good for one another. I do not want to let go, but sometimes feel that if I let go then my family here would be much more at peace.

I find myself at a crossroads, and I try to spend as much time as I can accessing/ inside my vortex. I feel comfortable thinking of this topic, but feel that I want to make a decision about this.

I realize no one else can give me the right decision, but how do you approach this sort of decision? If I follow my heart, then I really want to be with him and just forget about everything else. But then I do want my parents happiness and inclusion in my life. (eventually, I do see this happening.) But I want to be with him right now. I know the only thing that keeps me from him is taking action from my side.

Please help!