Someone told me an interesting true story this afternoon, that took place pre-war.
A guy had met a non-Jewish girl and wanted to marry her. When he informed his parents of his plans, his father gave him an ultimatum, “its either me or her”.
His father was a chossid of the Vishnitzer Rebbe, so the son went to the Rebbe, asking him to persuade his father to allow him to go ahead with the marriage.
The Rebbe said, I cant persuade your father, as he never came to ask me. But I can talk to you about your predicament.
The Rebbe proceeded to ask him details about this Goyteh. Do you love her? Is she Beautiful? Is she what you are looking for? Do you have similar aspirations? Is she geshikt? etc etc.
The “bachur”s response was “yes” to all these questions.
The Rebbe said to him “do you think she is the only one with these qualities, or do you suspect there may be others?
“I dont know. I am sure there are others”
“Do you think perhaps there is a Jewish girl with these qualities?” the Rebbe asked.
“I havent looked, but there probably is” was the reply.
The rebbe replied “To me its a no brainer. A father who is not replaceable v a girl who is. I know which one I would choose!”
Seems the guy got the message loud n clear!