Dear Patricia Marie
My daughter has recently split from her boyfriend, we were the family he never had and I miss him terribly. For the past five years he has spent christmas with us, however this year my daughter has invited her new boyfriend who not any of us are keen on and she also insists I am not to invite her ex, who is still in love with her. I am so upset as I know he will have nowhere to go, won't receive any presents and feel disowned by us. Plus the new boyfriend has a huge family and isn't even keen on coming to ours. I am now beginning to dread christmas. Would very much appreciate your advice.
Patricia says....
When it comes to the loves and losses of our children, wisdom demands unfashionable restraint. However difficult, we must allow our children the independence of making their own relationship choices. Even if we don't always agree, it is our role as parents to support our children's decisions as best we can to avoid them resenting us for interfering. It may be a good idea to see things from your daughter's perspective. For whatever reason, she split from her ex-boyfriend because things hasn't worked out. Would you rather she be unhappy in a relationship because it suits you for her to be with someone you approve of?
I predict even if you invited her ex for Christmas, he would decline, as to be in the presence of your home could ignite painful feelings for him, which you may not have considered. You are not responsible for him, and maintaining an attachment could be delaying him from finding his own future happiness. For now, perhaps you could meet up with him before or after Christmas on neutral territory with a small gift, this way you won't feel like you're completely disowning him, but gently distancing yourself.
I suspect other family members are mirroring your feelings. For your daughter's sake, and to be able to enjoy a relaxing Christmas, do try to make her new boyfriend feel welcome. You could surprise yourself and even get to like him. Nevertheless, try not to become too attached as your daughter may well trade him in for another at some stage in the future!
Patricia Marie, our Agony Aunt, wants to hear your problems, dilemmas, and quarrels. Just email them to patricia.marie@lady.co.uk