Sex & Relationships

Ask Ashley: Dress me up in your love

A poem for you: Halloween is almost here, what will you be my dear? An angel or a princess or all you can be? I only wish you were trick-or-treating with me! But seriously, have any suggestions for good couples costumes?

— Jimmy

How creative, Jimmy! I love it. I haven’t been trick-or-treating in probably 10 years. I totally miss it.

But on to your question: I was just researching costume ideas the other day. A friend and I even contemplated being a certain governor and a hooker. But then we decided that that was just too easy. We wanted to challenge ourselves a little more and pick characters that are more respected! The only reason we even considered that option was because we’ll be around close friends who can laugh about it with us. (Hey, if I didn’t have a sense of humor, I would’ve jumped by now!)

But other more traditional ideas include cat and mouse, Batman and Catwoman and Adam and Eve. Romeo and Juliet are classics, as is Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. Oh, Hugh Hefner and a Playboy bunny! That’s cute.

One year, I saw this guy dressed up as a priest with a big old you-know-what hanging out of his robe. You could be that and, well, I don’t know what she could be, but I’m sure you two can think of something. Oh, Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson is another good one, as are Robin Hood and Tinkerbelle or Aladdin and Jasmine. Have fun and don’t eat candy from strangers!

I’ve been dating someone for the past year, but she recently mentioned that she comes from a very traditional household and her parents prefer that she dates — and eventually marries — someone within her culture. (She’s Hispanic and I’m Asian.) While she’s someone I can envision establishing a long-term relationship with, I don’t want to put her in an uncomfortable position between her parents and myself. Do you suggest we stop seeing each other or is there another way to fix this?

— Victor, 28, Brooklyn

I don’t think you both should throw in the towel and give up on what — or who — makes you happy. If people always listened to their parents or friends or society in general, the world wouldn’t be as accepting as it’s become. If you both feel that there’s something there, then fight for it. Don’t allow her parents to dictate how you’ll both live the rest of your lives. The most important thing is to find whatever and whoever makes YOU happy. At the end of the day, I’m sure that’s what her parents want for her.

I’d suggest starting with your girlfriend. How does she feel? How important is marrying within her culture to her, and where does that leave the two of you? If the idea of even approaching her is daunting in and of itself, talk it through with a friend or therapist first. They’ll help you put some of your emotions into perspective and figure out a way to approach the situation carefully.

After you figure all that out and have the discussion (during which you’ll tell her how much her taking a risk means to you), allow her to approach her parents on her own. They may need some time to digest it before accepting you.

But whether it’s this relationship or another, never stop fighting for what — and whom — you believe in. Life is too short.

Have a question? E-mail AshleyDupre@nypost.com and follow her on Twitter at @ashleydupre.