You would not believe how many questions I get at my About.com dating site around parents who don't like someone's partner. People tell me they love their partner but their parents can't stand them and it's causing friction.

I want to remind everyone that if you're old enough to be in a relationship then you're old enough to make relationship decisions without parental approval. There comes a point in your life where you need to view your parents more as friends than authority figures.

If you don't make this transition, then your parents become your decision maker. That's no way to go through life, constantly looking for approval. You'll never satisfy anyone fully, especially yourself!