For me it isn't really a case of being shot down.
I just can't believe the one person I really, really like, puts his mother above everything.
He says it is a Greek thing, a tradition. I realize he is the youngest in his family and the only male child still near her, but still. He sees the problem and won't fix it. So, I tried. :frown1: We can't be together, and I am now being open to other men.
Is it that bad?
This makes me never want to turn anyone down again.
Does it matter if it is done in a nice/friendly manner or just any rejection hurts?
ChockoKittie - you must realize that the person who respcts his /her parents so much in this day and age really values his relationship. Imagine how faithfull he can be to you.
This kind of a relationship of a parent / child is totally different from any other kind. i know not many here will appreciate it. only certain cultures - or you can say - only we "backward" ancient cultured people know what it means and believe me you would find it lacking even in those cultures.
There is always some kind of an envy where the spouse or the lover always feels that he/she is not getting all of the love.
If you can, respect him, and his respect for his mother.