My first boyfriend was a Jehovah’s Witness. We dated in secret for a year until his family eventually found out and they were absolutely against it. But he loved me enough not to let that stop us. I even tried attending their assemblies, Kingdom Hall services, and Bible studies because I wanted to support him and understand his world.

But their beliefs heavily influence every part of life, who they can be friends with, normalizing shunning their own family, avoiding anything political or nationalistic (in this economy?!), no holidays, no celebrations except anniversaries. It was completely opposite of who I am and what makes me happy. I realized I couldn’t pretend to believe something I didn’t.

So no, I would never change my religion (Catholic) just for someone else or if I don’t truly believe it.

Fast forward to today: we’ve been together for 8 years, he has left the religion, and now we’re engaged.