Ok I am 31 years old and have dated both men and women and have kept it a secret to pretty much everyone but my dearest friends but I have recently met my soulmate. I love her with all my heart and know she is THE one! We want to have a life together and I am facing the big talk with family. I could use all the help I could get on the best way to confront this issue??

head on.you have nothing to be ashamed of,are of age and your happy.good luck.

I don't think you can ever tell how anyone will react. When one of my best friends came out to his friends and family, he held off doing it because he was worried, and the stress had become unbearable. Everyone accepted his sexuality well, though his mom was disappointed about no grandkids from him...

Deep down, they probably already know.
Good luck. I hope your relationship with your parents has been a good one. It will make things go much more smoothly. Parents love their children regarless.

Not being gay it is hard for me to say, but being honest is a great start and hopefully if they know u are happy that should help!!

Thank you and yes I have never been so happy in my life!

FTR, I have several gay friends (couples) who have kids. So it's not out of the question .

I think cutelil's right. Once you've made the decision, the only way is head on. Anything else just raises anxiety for everyone... especially you.

Wishing you 2 the best.

I think everyone's given you some good tips....can't really add much....but they do need to hear it from you and from your heart. They love you.....so a parent's love is usually unconditional. It might take them some time to adjust to this knowledge. But IT IS YOUR LIFE....no THEIRS' and they'll have to accept that.

Best of luck sweetie......

I have the feeling deep in my heart that they will be understanding and I KNOW deep in my heart that Sharon IS the one I want to spend the rest of my life with wether they accept that or not....just really really nervous!

Congratulations to both of you!

Congrats, just remember that you are telling them the truth because you care about them and however they react it is their issue, not yours, if they should react negatively. You will probably be surprised at who will be supportive and who will not. We would all like the support of the family but sometimes one has to go it alone if they know they are doing the right thing for themselves.

Hon you just have to be honest and tell them.

My daughter is gay. I was one of the last to know.
We are close- but she was afraid to tell me for the
longest time. I think I was more offended by the fact that
I was the last to know- more than anything. Coarse with her
being my only daughter- I was sad about some things. I had
hoped she would have grand children one day. She has chose
not to have kids.

I admit I was shocked and never saw it coming. I love my daughter though and have accepted this is who she is.
I absoulutely love her partner she has. Its like having two daughters. Good luck! I hope your family will take the time
to listen and be there for you no matter what they think.
My daughter was over welmed that I loved enough to listen.

i wouldnt worry and just say it...being gay is nothing to be afraid of saying

You know your family will accept you no matter what so now all you have to do is forge ahead love.

And remember I will be here for you always

OhI am not so much affraid of saying it....it is the fact that I have been married for the last 12 years and the intial shock of it that has me affraid

It is best to be honest and forthright. Unconditional love is the key. My oldest daughter is also gay, I was suspicious and she finally confirmed that she is. It is not what I wanted for her, but then again it is not my life, is it? I love my daughter and I make it my business to let her know it by welcoming her friends in when ever I get the chance to.

My daughter was afraid that I would be judgemental and our relationship would falter. She is the sweetest child I have!

well I wish you the best of luck with what you have to do. I believe that even if it has negative immediate effects, you will feel much better for coming clean. You can never guage how others will react, but you know you have to be true to yourself, and that is the most important thing to deal with. I don't envy your situation, but feel it could be the opening of a great new part of honesty within your own life.

Thank you everyone on here, this site is the most amazing by far!