DEAR ABBY: I have known I was gay since I was a young girl. My family was very close-minded, so I never told them. In an attempt to be "normal," I married a nice man and had four children. However, I was miserable and divorced him several years ago.
I have since met a wonderful woman. Her name is "Beth" and we're very much in love. She has been "out" for 12 years and her family is comfortable with her sexual orientation. I told my mother that Beth and I are moving in together, and surprisingly, she is very understanding. My grown children are also fine about it, but I don't know what to tell my other family members -- especially my grandparents. They will see this as a failure on their part.
Should I just not tell them? -- KATY IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR KATY: If you think they can't handle an announcement from you, then don't make one. Live your own life. They may catch on eventually.
P.S. You may also find that they really like your partner and they're not as naive as you think.