Dear Massi, My parents have given me until the end of the year to get married.

I don’t think it is fair but have set a deadline and want me to keep to it. The whole thing has got me worried and I am thinking of leaving home. I am 22 and don’t want to get married yet but they keep pestering me too.

I have two sisters who were both married before they were twenty. They are not too concerned who I get married too as long as I do.

I have told them I am not ready but they are insistent I get married or they will find someone for me. I know they can’t force me to get married but in real life the emotional blackmail is different.

I want to keep them happy and not cause them any problems.

Massi Says, As you said, your parents cannot force you to get married.

However, parents often resort to emotional blackmail in circumstances like this without considering the consequences of their actions.

In this instance it is driving you away from your parents. It is worrying that your parents "are not too concerned" with whom you marry.

You say you have expressed your feelings to your parents. Perhaps you could explain the situation to an older relative whom your parents respect and ask them to speak to your parents on your behalf.

Do reiterate to your parents that you do wish to get married, but can only do so with the right person.