My family mock my new girlfriend and we are keeping romance a secret

DEAR DEIDRE: HEARING my extended family ridicule the woman I’ve fallen for is so hard.

It has taken all my self-control not to lose my temper when I’ve heard my older brother and his wife laughing because my love and her family had to downsize their home.

I’m 23 and she is 24. We have been together for over three years but have been sneaking around as my family thinks her family is a joke – and she knows it.

But I’m all in with her.

I would love to settle down with her but just can’t face telling my family.

Her family has a reputation in our village for being chancers, but I think they are pretty harmless and even good fun.

How can I get my family to take us seriously?

This is unbearable.

DEIDRE SAYS:  You are entitled to date whoever you like and clearly see something in this person.

If they make you happy, that’s your business and nobody else’s.

If you’re unhappy with what your family are saying and sick of keeping this a secret, then you need to say something.

Do you have a family member you are closest to? Could you talk to them and ask them for their support, explain your girlfriend does have good qualities.

Surely if they care about you they should be happy if you’re happy.

My support pack, Standing Up For Yourself, has helpful advice.