We had been dating for two years, and I have always been deeply into "landmine-style" fashion. If you don't know what that is, it is a unique Japanese look filled with black and pink colors, frills, and cute ribbons. Some people call it a mass-produced style, but to me, it was my absolute favorite way to express myself.

When we first started dating, my boyfriend always used to smile and tell me, "That looks so cute on you!" I genuinely thought he loved me for who I was, including my style.

But then came the day I was supposed to meet his parents for the very first time.

"Can't you skip that outfit today?" he asked.

I was shocked. "Huh? Why?"

"When you are meeting my parents, that landmine girl style is just a bit too much," he said, looking uncomfortable.

"But you always said it was cute!" I replied.

"It's fine when it's just the two of us," he explained. "But in front of my parents, it could lead to misunderstandings. They might look at you and think you are mentally unstable or something. I just don't want them thinking that."

I completely froze. The clothes I loved so much—the things that made me feel like me—were something he wanted to hide from the world because he was worried about what his parents would think.

In the end, I didn't want to fight, so I went back and changed into totally plain, ordinary clothes. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I didn't even recognize myself.

The next day, I talked to my friends about it, and just like before, their opinions were totally split.

One friend felt terrible for me:
"That is so unfair. Rejecting your fashion is like rejecting a part of who you are. He should want his parents to accept the real you."

But another friend saw his point:
"Actually, your boyfriend is kind of right. There is a thing called TPO—Time, Place, and Occasion. Meeting your partner's parents is a big deal, and dressing appropriately is a sign of respect for them. It's just for a few hours, so making a small sacrifice isn't a bad thing."

I stood there, not knowing what to think. Is wanting to wear my favorite clothes just being selfish? Or is it unreasonable to ask me to hide my personality just to please his family?

Every time I look at those plain clothes now, it feels like I am being forced to strip away a piece of my true self. And it makes me wonder...

Can I really spend the rest of my life with someone who wants me to hide who I truly am?