[Everywoman]

Hi Lostlove,
Thanks for responding to my post. It means more too because you are a mother. It also makes me upset that I can’t have an open and honest relationship with my parents. I think it’s strange that I’m honest about most things, but then when it comes to sexuality there is a huge barrier between me and my parents. I wish that I can talk to my mom woman to woman.
At this point, I did tell my parents that I am going to Australia and ever since I told them yesterday, they have been trying to convince me not to go. I have made up my mind and I am set on going and I don’t want them to be angry with my because of this decision. I feel like it’s just a trip and I’m not doing anything wrong. I guess sometimes I just allow them to treat me like a child and in turn I end up acting like one. Most times, when my parents do not approve of a plan that I have made I just give in and say fine I won’t do it or I won’t go just because I know it will avoid conflict.
The reaction my mom had when I told her I was going was, who gave you permission and at this point in my life, I don’t feel like I need permission to do the things I want.
I have considered getting an apartment, but I saw the conflict and separation it cause between my older sister and my parents and I don’t want that to happen. I did go to school, I got a BA in both English Lit and Politics and completed a year of law school but decided it wasn’t for me. I was working as a union organizer, but have accepted a job as a paralegal and have started my applications for grad school since I want to get my Masters in Social Work.