me and my boyfriend have to split some day or the other because of orthodox parents. Should we split now?

I'd stay with him. If you're sure that you're going to break up someday, yes, it will be harder. But hon, your parents aren't going to control your life forever. They may not agree with him now, but if they really love you, and it turns out you really love them, they'll set tradition aside and support you. You can't know for a fact that you won't make it with the boy if you never even try. Just see where it goes.

In my own experiences, the things that will make you happiest in the end are always hardest to achieve.

Here's a devious take on the situation: can the person "outside the faith" convert? I don't know if you're talking about Orthodox Jews or Christians or what. I know converting to Reform Judaism isn't too difficult, and they tolerate a range of opinions on a lot of things. Maybe that would be enough to mollify Orthodox Jewish parents.

That's my head reaction. My heart reaction is that the whole idea of forcing a child to marry in a certain religious group is medieval and disgusting, and estrangement would be their just desserts. But I don't have to live with the guilt and whatnot so I can't honestly encourage lashing out at the parents.

Leave now before it gets too late - I am in similar situation. We are married and his parents are still not happy. yes we love each other - but it puts an enormous strain on the relationship. I try not to get in the middle - I would never assk him to choose between myself and the parents...but it is fustrating. Also - we are considering children yet I dont want them to experience the same treatment.

Why do you let your parents influence you in this. If you really love this man then by all means stay with him. You have to live your life, and if he makes your life happy, then your parents will have no choice but to accept it. And if they choose to become estranged from you, then its on them. I would never ,let my parents dictate my life in that way...but you are you, so do what feels right to you.

**** your parents. If you are in love with each other it really shouldn't matter what religion one of your parents has. In every religion Love is always preached to be the core of the belief. Love.......the rest is up to you.

It's truly up to you. But think about this: If you don't do it now, you'll be more attached to the guy, and it will be harder and more hurtful later on down the road....

if you really love the guy and he loves you, you should be with him and not care what your parents say. it isn't their choice, it is yours.

Stop having sex, I bet he breaks up with you.