Dear Rabbi Alon Anava, First of all thank you for the tremendous work you do for the Am Israel. I would like to get an advice from you. Some 6 years ago I met a wonderful girl BH, and we have been in a close relationship with her since. During this time we got to know each other very well, and we would like to create a proper Jewish family. Problem is that we are from different countries, and in my family it is unacceptable for a family member to marry someone from another culture, and this is something they take very seriously for already many generations. I understand and respect this completely, but on the other hand this definately is not a decisive factor. I love my family, and would never want to hurt their feelings, everything they do is to ensure happy and good life for me. On the other hand, I know that this girl is someone I would like to devote my future life to, we have developed strong love and respect for each other. At the moment I am stuck, cannot take action into any direction, but this brings lots of emotional distress to everyone involved, so I have to do something. I know halachically it is allowed to go against the will of parents in this situation, but my problem is at some deeper emotional level. I would be happy if You could find time to give me an advice on this. May H-m bless You and Your family with all the brachot, and continue to do your work in good health and simcha. Shabat Shalom. Yaakov