Personal Development for Smart People Forums - View Single Post - Very Religious Family/Culture

August · 07-10-2008, 10:59 PM

''I love my parents and siblings unconditionally (I have two younger sisters and one younger brother). However, I haven’t had a particularly close-knit relationship with any of them for many years. There was no major falling out or anything like that — it’s just that my personal values and lifestyle have moved so far from theirs that there isn’t enough basic compatibility to form a strong common bond anymore. ''

Understanding Family Relationship Problems

I relate strongly to this.

I come from a family of very religious dedicated Muslims that have ALL gone to university and completed ''respected'' degrees such as medicine. This is also expected of me.

I myself do not believe/resonate with Islam, (I would never dare tell them this)

..and I do not want to go university (if I do, there is only a select few degrees that are acceptable to them lol). I would like to follow my own path but I feel that I can't.

I am of adult age but I don't have the courage to stand up to my parents and go against tradition. They are loving people but I couldn't imagine what my family would do if I did go against them and followed my dreams... even gently suggesting other opinions/things that I would like to do with my life, they get extremly angry and animated

(btw I have read Steve's articles on courage)

I feel depressed and trapped

Any advice? Steve/ anyone?

Thank you.

07-10-2008, 10:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
August Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 41	Very Religious Family/Culture - Advice Please ''I love my parents and siblings unconditionally (I have two younger sisters and one younger brother). However, I haven’t had a particularly close-knit relationship with any of them for many years. There was no major falling out or anything like that — it’s just that my personal values and lifestyle have moved so far from theirs that there isn’t enough basic compatibility to form a strong common bond anymore. '' Understanding Family Relationship Problems I relate strongly to this. I come from a family of very religious dedicated Muslims that have ALL gone to university and completed ''respected'' degrees such as medicine. This is also expected of me. I myself do not believe/resonate with Islam, (I would never dare tell them this) ..and I do not want to go university (if I do, there is only a select few degrees that are acceptable to them lol). I would like to follow my own path but I feel that I can't. I am of adult age but I don't have the courage to stand up to my parents and go against tradition. They are loving people but I couldn't imagine what my family would do if I did go against them and followed my dreams... even gently suggesting other opinions/things that I would like to do with my life, they get extremly angry and animated (btw I have read Steve's articles on courage) I feel depressed and trapped Any advice? Steve/ anyone? Thank you.