Joan mentioned to me that you took what I said about Pakistani marriage personally, amer. Please realize that I appreciate your contributions to Hang With Friends, and encourage you to use your authentic voice. You have a right to express your opinions and values, which I have seen you do respectfully, civilly. Please understand that I mean no disrespect to people who enjoy such traditions, even if I criticize the traditions.

It's important to me to distinguish between behaviors and the people. If I critique traditional practices, it's the practices and the values they embody that I question, not the worth of the individuals.

You should understand that I hold no ill will toward you or the Pakistani people.

I apologize if I caused you hurt.

Your response is quite a relief to me, amer. I appreciate you open mindedness. I do care about how you feel. thanks

I'm glad you feel ok. I was really worried that I'd been so clumsy in my responses to you, and unfeeling, that I'd discouraged you. I do value your input, amer. Thanks.