Dad Knows His Son And His Male “Friend” Are Secretly Dating, Asks People How To Tell Him It’s Ok, Posts A Wholesome Update
Quarantine has brought people from all over the world back to their families. And as we’re once again setting foot into our childhood rooms, dining with parents, and getting that puzzle out from the attic, some things have changed.
And one dad definitely noticed. After his son came back with his friend to self-isolate together, the dad was convinced they’re a couple. He “strongly suspected” that to be the case since his son’s teenage years, but now “more or less [has] confirmation that this is true.” But the question he went on to ask Redditors sounds easier said than done: “How do I let them know it’s okay?” In no time, the dad became one of the most loved internet dads ever with 55K upvotes and everyone begging to get adopted. The story doesn’t end here, because the cool dad just came back with the wholesome update, which is plain heart-melting.
The dad posted this question on the r/relationship_advice subreddit alongside the whole backstory
Image credits: throwralovemygayson
Everyone was eager to help dad and he received tons of advice
And the dad came back with the most wholesome update!
Image credits: throwralovemygayson
Human Rights Campaign recently released a National Coming Out Day Report that explores the difficulties American teenagers face. The survey run on more than 10,000 LGBT-identified youngsters showed that 9 out of 10 (91%) came out to their close friends. Significantly less, only 56% said they’re “out” to their close family members.
The same survey showed that a staggering 30% of LGBT youth say their family is not accepting of their sexual orientation. 19% claim “they’re scared of reaction, afraid, or don’t know how their family will react.” 10% confessed they don’t have a strong relationship with their family and coming out to them isn’t an option.
Acceptance from parents is one of the most important antidotes for the many psychological challenges LGBT youth have to face. According to psychologist Dr. Earl Turner, “Parental rejection can exacerbate depression among LGBT youth and is a significant risk factor for suicide and risky behavior among this population.” Parents probably have as much direct influence on their LGBT kids as their friends.
People were amazed by how supportive this dad is
This had me in actual tears. What a beautiful, wonderful man! I tried to tell my mom that a friend I had once brought over to the house was actually a girlfriend and she very coldly said, 'well, I hope you got THAT out of your system.' I didn't. I just never mentioned it to her again and have effectively hid a major part of myself from my entire family as a result. I wonder how different my life would be if she had reacted in a positive (or at least a neutral) way. At the very least, I probably wouldn't be going through a divorce from a husband who walked out on me and our 2 small children.
I'm sorry for your experience. I'm straight, but can't understand when a parent has that reaction especially to their child. I've told my kids that there's nothing they could do that would change my love and support of them (including murder) or negatively impact our relationship. As long as my kids find love and happiness then I'm good. You have to do what's best for you and your kids. Life's too short to be surrounded by negative even if they happen to be "family".
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My parents told me and my sibling from basically the second we were born that no matter who I was or what I did or did not believe in that they would always love me. I wasn't sure if I was gay or straight or bi but then I remembered what they said and I just talked to them and they said "it doesn't matter who you are just love who you love because we love you"
I was in the same boat as you, my friend! My parents always told me I could tell them anything, but still, coming out to them very emotional (i cried) and my mom was like "why are you crying? you know we still love you" hah! tears shed over nothin' i suppose :)
Load More Replies... This had me in actual tears. What a beautiful, wonderful man! I tried to tell my mom that a friend I had once brought over to the house was actually a girlfriend and she very coldly said, 'well, I hope you got THAT out of your system.' I didn't. I just never mentioned it to her again and have effectively hid a major part of myself from my entire family as a result. I wonder how different my life would be if she had reacted in a positive (or at least a neutral) way. At the very least, I probably wouldn't be going through a divorce from a husband who walked out on me and our 2 small children.
I'm sorry for your experience. I'm straight, but can't understand when a parent has that reaction especially to their child. I've told my kids that there's nothing they could do that would change my love and support of them (including murder) or negatively impact our relationship. As long as my kids find love and happiness then I'm good. You have to do what's best for you and your kids. Life's too short to be surrounded by negative even if they happen to be "family".
Load More Replies... My parents told me and my sibling from basically the second we were born that no matter who I was or what I did or did not believe in that they would always love me. I wasn't sure if I was gay or straight or bi but then I remembered what they said and I just talked to them and they said "it doesn't matter who you are just love who you love because we love you"
I was in the same boat as you, my friend! My parents always told me I could tell them anything, but still, coming out to them very emotional (i cried) and my mom was like "why are you crying? you know we still love you" hah! tears shed over nothin' i suppose :)
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