Angie:  And as the choice in of whether to be a Greek or not, in choosing my friends and those I choose to have a romantic relationship will be the same basis.  What choice will make me happiest? What choice will help me to be the person I want to be.  And as you have both pointed out, I will not always make the best decisions.  I may screw up.  But I hope that I won’t screw up so much that I can’t correct my errors. I just hope that I have the wisdom to know when I have made an error.  And I think that is my biggest worry.

Bette:  Angie, that is why we are here. Our role as your parents is to advise you when you need it. If you get to a point where you question whether you have made a good or bad decision, you can talk to us about your doubts. We will not judge you. Our job is to point out all the factors good or bad and let you look at them and from a fresh point of view and then make a decision.  Now, if we feel that you have decided to go down some path which is harmful to you physically or mentally, we are going to let you know our opinion. And we are going to give you suggestions on alternatives. But in the end, it’s your life and your decision.

Tina:  Let me give you an example.  Suppose you date someone who in our opinion treats you badly.  This person speaks to you like you are some kind of dummy. They insist they you wait on them hand and foot – get me a drink would you honey? No, we can’t go to that party, there a football game on and we are going to watch it! Do you really have study right now?  Why haven’t you done the laundry, I’m out of clean underwear! Things like that…well, I am going to tell you that this person is not the person for you. They want a servant not a partner. And Mama B may say the same thing but in little more colorful terms. And of course, if you choose to stay with this person after we point out their disparaging remarks, well, don’t believe for a moment we will let it go.  We want you to find a person who cares for you as much as you care for them. A person who is willing to treat you as their equal.  By the two of you being together, you both are inspired to be the best and most you can be in your life. Someone who feels your happiness is just as important as their happiness is. And when you find that person, it will be obvious to both of us.  You will tell us by your words and your actions and your very aura. And your lover will display the very same aura.