"Mom and Dad, I have met
someone.  We are in love and
going to live together next quarter."

While classical conservative parents
would have hit the ceiling at this point,
this young lady's parents were quite
liberal and progressive in their thinking
and acceptance of social evolution.

"I hope you will give us your blessing,"
she continued.
 
"Why wouldn't we?" asked her mother.
 
Potential responses:

1. "He comes from another country."
    
2. "He is of a different religion."
    
3. "His skin color is different than ours."
    
4. "He speaks a different language,
   but is working on English."
    
5. "He has a physical disability,
   but he is very talented."
    
6. "His family is quite poor."
    
7. "He grow up in a slum neighborhood."
    
8. "He is a political radical and activist."
    
9. "He does not act his age."
    
10. "His father is wanted by the police."
     
11. "He comes from a very different culture."
     
12. "He is not of typical stature."
     
13. "His parents are ultra-conservatives."
     
14. "He is quite a bit older than I am."
     
15. "He eats an very unusual and restricted diet."
     
16. "He was an addict at birth."
     
17. "She and I think alike."
     
18. "He is covered with tattoos."
     
19. "He suffers from a social disease."
     
20. "He has been working on his degree
    ever since he retired."
     
21. "His only income is his Social
    Security check."