DEAR ABBY: I have been dating my boyfriend for nine months, and for the first time, at 28, I can say I know what love is. Marriage is in the future, which brings me to my question. How and when do I tell him I was adopted? -- EAST COAST GIRL
DEAR EAST COAST GIRL: Frankly, I'm surprised this hasn't already been discussed as part of your getting to know each other. You are acting like having been adopted is some kind of guilty secret, and it's not. Tell your boyfriend in a quiet environment in which you can discuss it, preferably when you're having dinner and when you both feel relaxed and comfortable, so you can answer any questions he may ask you.