Dear Emily,

I am a widow with two children. My daughter is married with three kids and her husband is in corporate banking. My son is single and just finished his MBA.

He is tall, athletic and has movie-star looks. He has gone out with many girls in school and some professionals after college, but never seriously. He has his own place but never fails to call me on weekends. He even takes me to concerts and plays he knows I’d like.

Recently, his sister told me that he has been going out with a woman we’d never associate with him.

She is a single mother with a teenage son, 15 years his senior and a big-sized woman. She, too, has a masters in Education and is a university professor.

He is obviously serious with her because he has started spending his evenings with her and even introduced her to us in church on his birthday.

I don’t question his motives. I just don’t want him breaking this woman’s heart when the novelty fades. Also, I feel he is too young to be entering this mature relationship and should spend his youth to discover what he really wants in life.

—CONCERNED MOTHER

You made your son what he has become. You’ve hammered in him enough words of wisdom, and he has received far-reaching education to think for himself. That he chose this woman who is well educated, older and not arm candy speaks highly of his maturity.

Let him plod carefully in this intricate, still budding relationship and allow him to find his way without outside interference. He has his own mind, so allow him to exercise it. Just be there to guide him when he needs it and constantly show your love along the way.

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