Not sure my parents will like new man

Dear Coleen

I’m a 19-year-old gay man and I came out to my family about a year ago. Everyone took it pretty well and my parents have been especially supportive, even though I think they were quite shocked to begin with.

My dilemma is, I’ve been dating someone I really like for a couple of months after getting to know him at the gym, but he’s 26, so quite a bit older than me.

I’m not sure how my parents will react to me being in a relationship and bringing a guy home to meet them, especially one who’s a few years older.

How do you think I should break it to them?

Coleen says

OK, it’s an age difference, but it’s not that big a gap. It sounds to me as if you’re more worried about getting your parents’ approval because you really like this person.

Look, whatever age you are and whether you’re gay, straight, bi or trans, it’s always nerve-racking to introduce a new partner to the family. You’re desperate for them to see what you see in them and for everyone to get along.

If I were you, I wouldn’t make his age an issue. In fact, I wouldn’t even mention it before they’ve had a chance to meet him.

Perhaps the thing to do is suggest you all meet for a drink in the pub, so it’s informal and on neutral territory, and far less scary than sitting around the living room with tea and biccies!