Allow me to introduce you to my son, Ryan. Like any other kid, he experienced ups and downs, late-night study sessions, and the occasional party during his time in college. However, it was during his senior year that he revealed to me something shocking that would permanently alter the way our family lived dynamic. Shelly, Ryan’s girlfriend, told me she was expecting a child.

Ryan is a decent young man now; he’s responsible, compassionate, and a little innocent when it comes to things of the heart. I therefore immediately wanted to make sure he wasn’t entering a scenario blindly when he broke the news to me. To be safe, I advised getting a DNA test done. Ryan, god bless him, completed the test after taking the advice to heart. Upon receiving confirmation of his paternity, he jumped at the chance to support Shelly and enter into a formal relationship.

I knew from the moment I met Shelly that things would not go well between us. She came up to me about the DNA test and said I was making assumptions about her. Although I attempted to clarify that it was merely a precaution and a typical counsel I would offer in a similar circumstance, the harm had already been done. Our relationship never got off to a good start, and even when she was accepted into the family, things never got better. For the sake of peace, I made the decision to keep my distance, being polite during family gatherings but not more.