Help! Should My Daughter’s Girlfriend Stay With Us if Her Parents Don’t Know She’s Gay?
Q. Houseguest or no?: My 16-year-old daughter is gay. This past summer, she met a girl on our family vacation who was at first a close friend but whom she now considers to be her girlfriend. Because they live on opposite coasts, all of their contact is via text/Skype. While they were still just friends, I promised my daughter that the other girl could come and stay with us for the summer. Recently, I suggested that my daughter give the other girl’s parents my number so that we could discuss details. That is when my daughter disclosed that her friend’s parents have no idea that she is involved with another girl and would “kill her” if they found out. She is begging me for secrecy. I don’t want to kill my daughter’s romance, and I certainly don’t want to out someone against her will, but I also don’t feel comfortable lying to another parent about the nature of a visit. To me, a “girlfriend” visit and a “friend” visit are different, and a parent of a 16-year-old has the right to determine if it is appropriate or not. Advice?
A: I’m not sure if “they would kill her” is standard teenage hyperbole or if your daughter’s girlfriend is at actual risk of physical violence from her homophobic family. LGBT youth face a much higher risk of violence and homelessness after being rejected by their family of origin. You’re absolutely right not to want to out her, in any case. Talk with your daughter about her girlfriend’s living situation. Is she in immediate danger? Does she have a place to stay if her family discovers her orientation and throw her out? While it’s understandable that you don’t want to host your daughter’s girlfriend in the same way you would have happily hosted a platonic friend, it’s possible that you and your family can be a resource for this poor girl.
You may not feel comfortable hosting her under the guise of “just friendship,” but perhaps you could arrange for her to stay with a family friend so the two of them could see one another without temporarily moving in together. If that still doesn’t sit well with you, I think it’s fine to tell your daughter you have separate sleepover rules for friends and girlfriends, and now that they’re dating, you can’t host this girl in your home, but I hope that you can continue to offer support and acceptance to her. It sounds like she’s going to need it.
Q. Re: Houseguest or no?: Let your daughter’s girlfriend visit. I remember being young, scared, and queer at age 16 (10 years ago now). Having my girlfriend’s parents welcome me into their home was an incredible relief, since my own parents were very homophobic. Have them sleep in separate bedrooms, and lay down whatever rules you want, but don’t cancel the visit. If your daughter’s girlfriend is closeted, traveling across the country to a place where she can actually be herself for a little while will be so incredibly freeing. It’s probably something she desperately needs.
A: I’m inclined to agree.
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The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I don't know why we're supposed to have MORE compassion and leniency for them because they're gay. If the answer is no sex in the house and no mates/dates spend the night then that is the rule no matter who you sleep with.
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“You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I'll rise!” ― Maya Angelou
I don't know why we're supposed to have MORE compassion and leniency for them because they're gay. If the answer is no sex in the house and no mates/dates spend the night then that is the rule no matter who you sleep with.
-- Edited by I know what to do_sometimes on Monday 4th of January 2016 08:27:47 PM
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
I don't know why we're supposed to have MORE compassion and leniency for them because they're gay. If the answer is no sex in the house and no mates/dates spend the night then that is the rule no matter who you sleep with.
-- Edited by I know what to do_sometimes on Monday 4th of January 2016 08:27:47 PM
She basically ignored the issue of them being more than friends and set up a double standard since it was a female.
She NEVER would have given that advice if we were talking a 16 year old boy wanting to stay with his girlfriend and not wanting said girlfriend's parent to tell his parents about it.
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I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
She basically ignored the issue of them being more than friends and set up a double standard since it was a female.
She NEVER would have given that advice if we were talking a 16 year old boy wanting to stay with his girlfriend and not wanting said girlfriend's parent to tell his parents about it.
The "New Prudie" is off to a rough start.
She's only 29.
She doesn't have enough life experience to be giving advice to the parents of teenagers.
She basically ignored the issue of them being more than friends and set up a double standard since it was a female.
She NEVER would have given that advice if we were talking a 16 year old boy wanting to stay with his girlfriend and not wanting said girlfriend's parent to tell his parents about it.
The "New Prudie" is off to a rough start.
She's only 29.
She doesn't have enough life experience to be giving advice to the parents of teenagers.
JMHO.
I don't think that overall she's so bad--but she did really miss the boat here, and I think her age and inexperience is a factor in that.
I understand, to a degree, her concern for the kid--BUT--that does not trump parental rights. Plus, there is really ZERO evidence that her parents would harm her in any way.
Parents say they'll "kill" their teenagers over lots of things--but it's an expression, not a literal threat. "I'm going to kill that kid.".
If there is truly a concern, then the LW doesn't have to "out" the kid--but neither does she have to go behind the other parents' back and allow this. Just say no. It's possible.
__________________
I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
I don't know why we're supposed to have MORE compassion and leniency for them because they're gay. If the answer is no sex in the house and no mates/dates spend the night then that is the rule no matter who you sleep with.
She basically ignored the issue of them being more than friends and set up a double standard since it was a female.
She NEVER would have given that advice if we were talking a 16 year old boy wanting to stay with his girlfriend and not wanting said girlfriend's parent to tell his parents about it.
The "New Prudie" is off to a rough start.
She's only 29.
She doesn't have enough life experience to be giving advice to the parents of teenagers.
JMHO.
I don't think that overall she's so bad--but she did really miss the boat here, and I think her age and inexperience is a factor in that.
I understand, to a degree, her concern for the kid--BUT--that does not trump parental rights. Plus, there is really ZERO evidence that her parents would harm her in any way.
Parents say they'll "kill" their teenagers over lots of things--but it's an expression, not a literal threat. "I'm going to kill that kid.".
If there is truly a concern, then the LW doesn't have to "out" the kid--but neither does she have to go behind the other parents' back and allow this. Just say no. It's possible.
I don't think overall that she's so bad, husker.
I'm sure she means well. And wants to do a good job as the new Prudie.
But, here is where she's coming from.
She's young. Only 29.
She's gay. (So, I think that is going to have some effect on her answers, to questions like these.)
She's not a parent. Not even of a toddler. Let alone, a teenager.
I'm sorry. I can't take her advice very seriously.
When I was 19, my 17 y.o. gf and her 16 y.o. sister went on the Pill at the same time. Their mother knew her daughters, and wasn't ready to be a grandparent.
__________________
The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
When I was 19, my 17 y.o. gf and her 16 y.o. sister went on the Pill at the same time. Their mother knew her daughters, and wasn't ready to be a grandparent.
This has nothing to do with two female lesbians. I doubt they will need the pill.
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I drink coffee so I don't kill you.
I quilt so I don't kill you.
Do you see a theme?
Faith isn't something that keeps bad things from happening. Faith is what helps us get through bad things when they do happen.
I like her answer. What's wrong with letting this young lady stay with a family friend for the duration of the visit?
Outing her is absolutely the wrong thing to do.
She basically ignored the issue of them being more than friends and set up a double standard since it was a female.
She NEVER would have given that advice if we were talking a 16 year old boy wanting to stay with his girlfriend and not wanting said girlfriend's parent to tell his parents about it.
The "New Prudie" is off to a rough start.
She's only 29.
She doesn't have enough life experience to be giving advice to the parents of teenagers.
JMHO.
I don't think that overall she's so bad--but she did really miss the boat here, and I think her age and inexperience is a factor in that.
I understand, to a degree, her concern for the kid--BUT--that does not trump parental rights. Plus, there is really ZERO evidence that her parents would harm her in any way.
Parents say they'll "kill" their teenagers over lots of things--but it's an expression, not a literal threat. "I'm going to kill that kid.".
If there is truly a concern, then the LW doesn't have to "out" the kid--but neither does she have to go behind the other parents' back and allow this. Just say no. It's possible.
I don't think overall that she's so bad, husker.
I'm sure she means well. And wants to do a good job as the new Prudie.
But, here is where she's coming from.
She's young. Only 29.
She's gay. (So, I think that is going to have some effect on her answers, to questions like these.)
She's not a parent. Not even of a toddler. Let alone, a teenager.
I'm sorry. I can't take her advice very seriously.
Not on these sorts of questions.
Again, JMHO.
I agree here. She really missed the boat on this one.
__________________
I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
I like her answer. What's wrong with letting this young lady stay with a family friend for the duration of the visit? Outing her is absolutely the wrong thing to do.
Absurd. It's NOT a "family friend". It's their teenage child's lover.
If this was a boy and they were boyfriend/girlfriend that advice would be absolutely stupid. Because it's a girl, it's still stupid--but some people have stupid double standards.
__________________
I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
When I was 19, my 17 y.o. gf and her 16 y.o. sister went on the Pill at the same time. Their mother knew her daughters, and wasn't ready to be a grandparent.
So fvcking what? That is IRRELEVANT.
You can decide that crap for YOUR children--you don't get to do so for someone else's.
Plus, if you hadn't noticed, these are both FEMALE, so they don't need the damn pill.
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I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
When I was 19, my 17 y.o. gf and her 16 y.o. sister went on the Pill at the same time. Their mother knew her daughters, and wasn't ready to be a grandparent.
So fvcking what? That is IRRELEVANT.
You can decide that crap for YOUR children--you don't get to do so for someone else's.
Plus, if you hadn't noticed, these are both FEMALE, so they don't need the damn pill.
I reckon that I am more liberal than you are.
__________________
The Principle of Least Interest: He who cares least about a relationship, controls it.
I don't know why we're supposed to have MORE compassion and leniency for them because they're gay. If the answer is no sex in the house and no mates/dates spend the night then that is the rule no matter who you sleep with.
- Nobody Just Nobody
I like her answer. What's wrong with letting this young lady stay with a family friend for the duration of the visit? Outing her is absolutely the wrong thing to do.
Absurd. It's NOT a "family friend". It's their teenage child's lover.
If this was a boy and they were boyfriend/girlfriend that advice would be absolutely stupid. Because it's a girl, it's still stupid--but some people have stupid double standards.
The GF would be staying with a family friend. It's called a compromise.
And who knows if they're actually lovers, or just toying with the idea? How long was the family vacation where they met? A week? Two weeks?
They were friends when they parted, and they have only been gfs over the internet. There is zero chance of pregnancy, and both parents already agreed to the summer long visit, canceling now leads to a lot of awkward questions and hurt feeling all around, and as long as rules are in place and they are sleeping in separate rooms, I see very little downside to this arrangement.
I guess it wouldn't faze me at all.
Oh balonely! Being sexually active isn't only about getting pregnant. You need to time to develop your maturity and character and not have a lot of confusing situations and feelings. So, as a parent, you job is to protect your child's purity at a tender age . You don't go out of your way to set up situations to make this easy for them. Nope. I don't give a rip if this is 'awkward" to cancel now. You call the parents and say "I am sorry, we have had a change of plans and will not be able to accomodate and entertain your daughter for the summer". Period. You don't have to explain why.
BTW, teens actually WANT boundaries. So, mom didn't know she was involved with her and thought they were friends. So, the daughter told her upfront. Good for her daughter for doing so but it is also highly possible that this is far too intense for her as well and maybe she wants mom to be the ADULT in the room. Not that it matters either way, cuz my answer would be NO. It would be no different if my sons said 'We are going to move our gf's in for the summer". Umm...no.
I find it interesting that was think gay sex is somehow different. When Mayor McGreevy was Boohooing over cheating on his wife with his male lover, everyone was soooo sympathetic. WTH! Adultery is adultery whether you are sleeping with a man or a woman you are cheating on your marital vows.
Allowing my teenage daughter or son to have their boyfriend or girlfriend move in is not parenting. I can't believe people think this is ok. Making it easy for your children to have sex makes zero sense unless promiscuity is what you want to teach.
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“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.” ― Julia Child ―
When I was 19, my 17 y.o. gf and her 16 y.o. sister went on the Pill at the same time. Their mother knew her daughters, and wasn't ready to be a grandparent.
ed - the reason for teenagers NOT to have sex is more than just pregnancy.
And PARENTS, real parents, should not be ENDORSING teenage sex in their home.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
When I was 19, my 17 y.o. gf and her 16 y.o. sister went on the Pill at the same time. Their mother knew her daughters, and wasn't ready to be a grandparent.
So fvcking what? That is IRRELEVANT.
You can decide that crap for YOUR children--you don't get to do so for someone else's.
Plus, if you hadn't noticed, these are both FEMALE, so they don't need the damn pill.
I reckon that I am more liberal than you are.
You are, but that is also irrelevant. You can make whatever decisions you want to for YOUR child. If you want to invite over your daughters 16 Year old boyfriend and throw them a box of condoms, then fine--AS LONG AS his parents are ok with it. You don't get to unilaterally decide that is ok for their child, as well.
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I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
I like her answer. What's wrong with letting this young lady stay with a family friend for the duration of the visit? Outing her is absolutely the wrong thing to do.
Absurd. It's NOT a "family friend". It's their teenage child's lover.
If this was a boy and they were boyfriend/girlfriend that advice would be absolutely stupid. Because it's a girl, it's still stupid--but some people have stupid double standards.
The GF would be staying with a family friend. It's called a compromise.
And who knows if they're actually lovers, or just toying with the idea? How long was the family vacation where they met? A week? Two weeks?
Too many questions...
flan
No, there isn't. The LW's daughter wants her mom to be deliberately deceptive to another teens parents. That is not cool in any way.
if LW mom is fine with this arrangement, then be honest with the other parent and see if they feel the same.
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I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
They were friends when they parted, and they have only been gfs over the internet. There is zero chance of pregnancy, and both parents already agreed to the summer long visit, canceling now leads to a lot of awkward questions and hurt feeling all around, and as long as rules are in place and they are sleeping in separate rooms, I see very little downside to this arrangement. I guess it wouldn't faze me at all.
So you would be fine with other parents lying to you? That's what you would be doing to them.
hey mom, I'm going to stay at cindis house--while cindis mom leaves out the part where she and her daughter snort coke together and want your daughter to join them.
That wouldnt "faze" you? Really?
__________________
I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
They were friends when they parted, and they have only been gfs over the internet. There is zero chance of pregnancy, and both parents already agreed to the summer long visit, canceling now leads to a lot of awkward questions and hurt feeling all around, and as long as rules are in place and they are sleeping in separate rooms, I see very little downside to this arrangement. I guess it wouldn't faze me at all.
So you would be fine with other parents lying to you? That's what you would be doing to them.
hey mom, I'm going to stay at cindis house--while cindis mom leaves out the part where she and her daughter snort coke together and want your daughter to join them.
That wouldnt "faze" you? Really?
Snorting coke is a universe away from being a lesbian.
I wouldn't lie to another parent. I mean there is already a great deal of trust they are putting in you to send their child to you for months, don't take advantage of that. Either the parents know the whole truth or it doesn't happen, although in my house this example wouldn't be happening at all. Bf/gf don't spend the night.
They were friends when they parted, and they have only been gfs over the internet. There is zero chance of pregnancy, and both parents already agreed to the summer long visit, canceling now leads to a lot of awkward questions and hurt feeling all around, and as long as rules are in place and they are sleeping in separate rooms, I see very little downside to this arrangement. I guess it wouldn't faze me at all.
So you would be fine with other parents lying to you? That's what you would be doing to them.
hey mom, I'm going to stay at cindis house--while cindis mom leaves out the part where she and her daughter snort coke together and want your daughter to join them.
That wouldnt "faze" you? Really?
Snorting coke is a universe away from being a lesbian.
flan
It's the principle that the girls parents have a right to know the nature of the visit. Staying the summer at a friend's house vs staying the summer at a lovers house.
I wouldn't lie to another parent. I mean there is already a great deal of trust they are putting in you to send their child to you for months, don't take advantage of that. Either the parents know the whole truth or it doesn't happen, although in my house this example wouldn't be happening at all. Bf/gf don't spend the night.
__________________
“Until I discovered cooking, I was never really interested in anything.” ― Julia Child ―
They were friends when they parted, and they have only been gfs over the internet. There is zero chance of pregnancy, and both parents already agreed to the summer long visit, canceling now leads to a lot of awkward questions and hurt feeling all around, and as long as rules are in place and they are sleeping in separate rooms, I see very little downside to this arrangement. I guess it wouldn't faze me at all.
So you would be fine with other parents lying to you? That's what you would be doing to them.
hey mom, I'm going to stay at cindis house--while cindis mom leaves out the part where she and her daughter snort coke together and want your daughter to join them.
That wouldnt "faze" you? Really?
Snorting coke is a universe away from being a lesbian.
flan
Good God is that a dumb post. this has NOTHING to do with being a lesbian.
It primarily has to do with lying to another parent--do you want other parents lying to you about your child?
Secondarily ly it has to do with two teenagers who want to be sexually active in one parent's home. even IF you are ok with that, and even IF you don't like the comparison to drugs--what gives you the fvcking right to make decisions about sexual activity for SOMEONE ELSE'S child?
Who died and made you God? That is the height of arrogance.
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I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right.
Well, I could agree with you--but then we'd both be wrong.
I don't know why we're supposed to have MORE compassion and leniency for them because they're gay. If the answer is no sex in the house and no mates/dates spend the night then that is the rule no matter who you sleep with.