Who comes first, mom or fiancé?

Dear Nanay,

I am a Filipino who moved to the US about nine years ago.  Next year I am getting married to my American boyfriend.  My problem is that my dad just passed away last month and my mother, who is a housewife, is asking me to come home to help take care of the family business.  I don’t know how my fiancé is going to receive this news. Or if he will be willing to move back there to Manila. 

What do you think I should do?  I am so afraid of what he might say as he may not be willing to uproot his life and move to Manila. — TO GO OR NOT TO GO

Dear to go or not to go,

I think the answer is really pretty clear and you do not have a choice.  You need to have a long and serious talk with your fiancé.  I admit that he may not be willing to move back to Manila and you might be forced into a choice that you do not want to make – to stay with your fiancé and disappoint your mother or to go home and disappoint your fiancé.  It is quite possible that you will be placed in a no-win situation.

As scared as you might be, you need to have that talk with your fiancé as soon as possible so you can have as much time to prepare for your eventual decision — whatever that decision may be.  Do not postpone the talk and do not delay.  Who knows?  Maybe he will be willing to move to Manila and you won’t have a dilemma, after all.

Good luck.

Sincerely,

Nanay

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How to dispose of religious items

Dear Nanay,

As Easter is upon us, I think that your reply to the recent letter sender regarding how to dispose of religious items is very timely.

It was also a very enlightening article because it made me realize that I never knew what I should do if I had to dispose of religious items.  And I am sure that I am not the only one who had that question even if I didn’t know that I had it!

Thank you again for your continuously informative-column, which is full of inspiration, no nonsense and practical advice. More power to you and your family! —Jent.                      

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If you have a question, e-mail us at asknanay@nationalbookstore.com.ph or just drop your letter at drop boxes in all National Book Store branches nationwide.