Tell Me Pastor

Date rape

DEAR PASTOR,

Firstly, I would like to commend you on the great job you have been doing. I am a Jamaican and I have been living in the United States for the past four years. I am twenty-four years old and I am living with family members. The problem is that they don't allow me to date anyone. They are so overprotective. I feel like I am going to grow old by myself.

I am a mature young woman, doing well in school, and I have a job. But I feel like I need to start dating. I have been out with a guy a couple of months ago but had to sneak around and I am not comfortable with it.

Please give me your advice.

N.C., Miami, Florida

Dear N.C.,

Your people are acting as if we are in the dark ages. You are twenty-four years old; you do not have to ask permission to date. That is absolute foolishness. You should defy what they say and go out on dates.

Pastor