I AM A 22-year-old woman at university and in love with a 25-year-old man who is also studying there.

We have known each other for a year and he has said he would like us to get married.

Here is where the problem lies. We are of different religions.

I know that many people manage to overcome this, but my family is strict and very religious.

My boyfriend says love can overcome everything, but he doesn't really realise what this means. His family are not particularly religious and he says that they will love and accept me.

I love my parents and I would hate to hurt them. They have sacrificed so much for me to go to university.

I just don't know what to do. It feels as if I have to choose either my boyfriend or my parents.

What should I do? Puzzled, Wits

Dudu responds:

I honestly cannot tell you what to do. Obviously, before you can get married you both need to complete your studies and at this stage, this should be your priority.

Marrying a person out of your faith and particularly if your family is strictly religious, will cause problems to which there are no easy solutions.

The chances of your parents accepting your boyfriend, no matter how wonderful he is, are slim.

Marriage is hard work without the added stress of coping with different religions and the possibility of parents turning their back on both of you.

If you do get married, then both of you are going to have to discuss this with your respective families and be prepared for strong opposition and many tears.

The two of you have to discuss how you will handle this.