Introduction to Asexuality and Coming Out
A person has been trying to hide the fact that they’re asexual from their family for two years. They’ve been overhearing conversations between their parents and older siblings about dating, which has made them feel frustrated because their experiences are so different. The person is considering coming out to a select group of fellow students on their college campus but is worried about how their parents might react if they find out before they’re ready to tell them.
Concerns About Coming Out
The decision to come out would likely conflict with the family’s conservative religious beliefs. To complicate matters, the family has planned a road trip so the person can visit someone they met on a dating app who lives nine hours away. The person is worried that if this individual finds out about their asexuality and hesitancy to commit to a long-term relationship, they might not want to date them.
Recommendations for Proceeding
The advice given is to delay the announcement until the person feels comfortable with it. Asexuality is not a sin, and religious leanings should have nothing to do with it. There’s no need to make a big announcement at home or on campus at this time. If the person they’re dating is also asexual, it shouldn’t be a problem. There are many resources for asexual people, including dating sites, that can be found online.
A Different Dilemma: Unconventional Baby Names
A long-time friend, who is six months pregnant, has started sharing name suggestions for her baby girl. However, she tends to choose names based on how they sound, without considering their meanings. The friend had to be convinced not to consider "chlamydia" as a name due to the potential for bullying. Now, the friend is taken with the name "Cliche" and doesn’t seem to care about the potential consequences.
Advice on Dealing with Unconventional Name Choices
The advice given is that there’s no one as blind as those who refuse to see, and no one as deaf as those who refuse to listen. Suggestions for more conventional and meaningful names, such as Kalista, Lydia, Olympia, or Andromeda, are offered. After making these suggestions, it’s advised to avoid frustration by not making any more suggestions. This approach allows the friend to make her own decisions while still providing guidance and support.
