DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been dealing with a situation where my parents constantly tell family members about my personal life without my consent. This has caused me a lot of distress as I feel like my privacy is being violated. It's frustrating to think that I have no control over what personal information my family members know about me. My parents seem to believe that it's their right to disclose this information, but I strongly disagree.
I value my privacy and would prefer to have control over who knows about my personal life. I've tried talking to my parents about this issue, but they don't seem to understand how their behavior is affecting me. They say it's not a big deal and I shouldn't be so concerned about what others know. I believe that everyone has a right to their own privacy and that it's not up to others to decide what information should be shared.
I'm at a loss for what to do. My parents aren't taking my concerns seriously, and I don't know how to make them understand how important this is to me. Should I keep my parents out of my personal business, too? -- Chatty Parents
DEAR CHATTY PARENTS: In a word: yes. At least for now, your parents cannot be trusted with knowing your personal information. They have told you as much and shrugged off your concerns. So it’s time for you to draw the line. Stop telling them your business. Hopefully, in time, they will notice and ask to be welcomed back into your covenant of confidentiality. They have to earn their way back.