We live in different worlds

Q: We met when he came to renovate our other house.

One weekend my parents asked me to check on the progress. I was surprised to find him working alone while other workers were off for tea. We started to chat and it lasted for almost two hours.

When I saw him waiting at the bus stand later on, I decided to give him a lift. We talked some more and I found out that he came from a poor family and has been working under the same contractor since he was 17.

I started to care for him since that day. I brought him drinks and food whenever I had the chance. We also went out at night without my parents’ knowledge.

I think I’m falling in love with him.

The renovation is going to end soon and I will never see him again. I know I am going to miss him badly.

But he said we could still meet. He gave me a locket with his picture in it last week. I gave him mine.

He has asked whether I would go with him to find work overseas. I would love to but I don’t know what to tell my parents.

How true is it when they say the rich and the poor can’t get together? I am willing to give up everything for him.

Celine

A: Normally a level-headed girl doesn’t stop to chat with workers if she can help it. And for such a long time too.

As such I am not sure whether you have actually stopped to consider what you have got yourself into.

Be very cautious and look at the situation realistically.

No doubt your parents are going to object and understandably too as you intend to choose someone whose social and economic background is worlds apart from yours. They will definitely feel humiliated as they would naturally look upon your affair as a shameful scandal. Your going out without their knowledge is ample proof that you knew they would not approve your friendship.

It seems his main attraction for you is that he is so different from your usual circle of friends.

Why not give it more time, get to know him better before you commit yourself to a relationship where the sacrifices will be all on your part?

You must try to avoid hasty action which might cost you too much, too late. You must know that once you choose to go with him there will be no turning back.

Even if what you have between you is the real thing and not infatuation, you still have to make sure that you are ready and strong enough to face the many problems, challenges and heartaches that are bound to crop up even if he does love you and not merely your money.

Don’t do anything rash at the moment. It will be foolish beyond words if you burn your boats now without serious consideration of the risks involved.