How to come out to the parents?

[tabi]

Back when I was about 13, I acknowledged the point that I might be gay, It took me a while to get over that point because I could find men physically attractive. I tried desperately to hold onto that point in hopes that I was straight, because I didn't want the stresses of being gay, nor did I particularly want to be gay because of my family. Now at just turning 18 I am fully sure I am a lesbian and have been sure of this for over a year. I have come out to everyone, except family. I have a girlfriend and I leave hints around the house that I do, like her sweater that she gave me, valentines day cards, I left my laptop out on my facebook page where you can clearly see my relationship status. I also have been spending a lot of time with my girlfriend making it well known to my parents that I am spending a lot of time with this girl. I really don't know how to just be straight with them about this, I want them to know because well it's a part of me that I can't change. I am terrible with talking about this kind of stuff with them and always have been, they have never really known anything personal about me my whole life. I want my girlfriend to become more a part of my life than she already is because I want to be with her for a long time, So long story short, how do you come out to your parents?

[Percy]

Tell them. Like, sit them down and tell them. They'll probably tell you that they already knew, and you'll all have a big laugh, and then you can all go and have ice cream. Maybe you can invite your girlfriend.

There's not really a "how". The only requirement is saying the two little words, "I'm gay." Once you've done that, everything else will proceed naturally. Probably the best way is to just wait until after dinner one night, or some other time that you're with them, and then say, "Hey, I wanted to tell you guys something - I'm gay. I started thinking I might be when I was 13 or 14, and I've been sure for a while now. XXX and I are dating. I just wanted to be honest with you." You don't need to make a big speech - they'll generally have a lot of questions for you anyway. Just answer them as truthfully as you can, and listen respectfully to anything they might say.

You'll be scared and shaking in your boots, but you've got to bite the bullet and just do it. It's like skydiving - everyone's scared in the plane, but once they're on the ground, they've got big smiles on their faces. The nice part is, like I said, the only hard part is saying, "I'm gay." Once you've done that, everything else will be easy. Don't beat around the bush, just say it and let whatever will happen happen.