Should Coming Out To Parents Take Preparation?
Way too many parent child relationships suffer because of the fact that coming out to parents causes a lot of stress. This will always be an emotional journey you embark on, so come prepared.
Before you sit your parents down for the big talk, make sure about your feelings. Young people may still be confused about their feelings and coming out to early can be disastrous. Rather talk to your parents about what you are feeling and ask for their support at this stage.
In the case where you may be settled into the gay life and want the world to know; coming out may be necessary to allow you the freedom of an open gay life. Again, make sure you know what you feel before talking to your parents. Choosing the right time will make it a bit easier as well.
Many gays make the mistake to tag a friend or even their lovers with them for the coming out talk. This is always a mistake, as your parents will want to talk to you alone and ask personal questions. A familiar reaction from parents is to look for what went wrong and your poor lover may just end up as the escape goat.
Do not fool yourself, your parents will react, but you know them well enough to know how they will react. Many of them will hug you and tell you they are glad you finally settled with them as they suspected all along.
Answer all their questions as truthful as you can. They will probably fear for your health as a gay lifestyle and HIV still gets connected. Assure your parents that you are a responsible adult that knows all there is to know about safe sex.
Remember that no church or religion may banish you because of who you are and should this be part of your coming out, treat the subject with care but do not get thrashed about this, God loves every person he made.
Don’t just talk, listen to them as well as they will want to spell out some rules they may think appropriate. The secret is not to force lovers or guests onto them, rather let the news settle in and wait until they invite another gay person over.
Coming out to parents will always be an emotional process, so remember to be very patients and not to expect instant acceptance. Give the situation some time to clarify in every ones minds.