Hi, uwais,

It makes me sad to hear of the conflict with your parents. School is hard enough without having to deal with all that.

I grew up in the American South in the 50's and 60's, during the height of the Civil Rights movement here. Both my parents, and all their relatives hated black people. They weren't bad people, it is simply how they were raised. Your parents, like mine, were raised in a traditional society. They hate white people because it is how they were raised. I doubt they are truly bad people, they are, like all of us, products of their environment.

I am asking you to stop and think when you get angry with your parents to realize who they are and where they come from. In their own way, they are trying to protect you.

It's kind of the same with the curfew...yeah, 10:30 is pretty strict, but I have have a daughter your age, and her curfew is usually about then, though we do make exceptions for special occasions.

You'll be 18 soon, and I think you will find that your world will begin to change for you, if you will allow it. Spend the next few years focused on your education, it is the KEY to freedom for you and your loved ones.

As for the suicidal thoughts, you MUST talk to someone about that. If your parents won't take you to a therapist, perhaps you can talk to your regular doctor and get a referral. (Sorry, I don't know how the British system works). There may be mental health resources available at your school. Just speaking from my own experience, you should start dealing with this now if you can, or it can haunt you for the rest of your life.

Know that you are among friends here at PC...you are one of us, and you'll be treated with the love and respect that you deserve.

DJ