How do I tell them about me?

Illustration/Uday Mohite

I am terrified of telling my parents about my sexuality because I don't know how they will react. They are not strict or unreasonable people, but they are very conservative and don't really stray beyond societal expectations when it comes to how they live their lives. I am afraid that they will disown me or just choose to cut me out of the family, and this thought makes me afraid to be honest with them. What should I do? I just want them to understand me a little better.
They are your parents, and you should be able to talk to them about anything. Your sexuality is your business, and you are entitled to do anything that makes you happy. If they want to play the role of supportive parents, they may struggle with your decision but will come around. If they do what you fear and decide to move away from you, that will happen whenever you come out and tell them the truth. Why assume the worst before giving them a chance though? Why not open up, give them time to understand what you're saying, and hope that time will help you all accept each other? If you need to speak to a professional about how this is affecting your mental health, ask about what you can do to make it easier for your parents too.

My boyfriend and I recently ended our relationship after two years. It was amicable and we spoke about how we wanted to remain friends and be in each other's lives. A few months after this happened, however, he has begun to ignore me and doesn't respond to my messages. What should I do?
If he has changed his mind about your presence in his life, there is little you can do. Friendship, like any relationship, can only thrive when there is mutual respect. If he isn't being respectful, you should consider whether this is worth the effort. If he has made a choice, you may just have to accept it.

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