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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Talking to Parents > Telling parents
Posted on: 06/28/2007
Question
Two days ago my girlfriend broke up with me. We had been together 8 months and 5 days. We did some sexual stuff and now that I'm out of that relationship, even though I want her back, I feel that I need to tell my parents what I have done with her because they condone sexual stuff all the way. Is there any way I can do it without them mistrusting me in the future or having them get angry at me? I feel that right now the best thing is for them to be left in the dark because it will stir up my love for the girl and it will make them extremely angry.
Answer
Dear Teen: I think you meant to say that your parents do not condone sexual behavior instead of condone it. It is up to you whether you tell them about it or not, but it sounds like you want to have a talk with them about sexual issues. You could talk about sexual issues in general without revealing the details of your relationship with your girlfriend. Tell your parents you really want a lot to be able to talk with them openly and are hoping to get understanding. If you cannot talk with your parents, you might talk with your school counselor, family physician, minister/rabbi, or some other trusted adult outside of the family. Sexual feelings can be very powerful at this age and it is helpful and reassuring to be able to talk about your experience.