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Ask Joe
by Joe Swinyer
Dear Joe,
My girlfriend and I (both women) do
not live together but do spend every evening together, also weekends,
and we always vacation together. Currently we have no plans for a wedding
or civil union. How do we tell our families of our relationship?
Do we actually need to tell them?
If we do announce, when and how?
Signed,
The Town Crier
Dear TC,
Relax, relax, relax. Since you spend
nearly every waking hour (and some non-waking) together, those in your
families who are attuned are already aware of your relationship. I doubt
that those who are unattuned would be interested. If you perceive a need
to verbalize the relationship to especially close loved ones, do so. Just
a few words such as, "Mary and I are very close. We wanted you to
know." will suffice. For the unattuned, let them remain in that state.
In the event of marriage or
a civil union, then go all out! Have a ceremony, reception, announcements,
the whole thing. That is the time for a general announcement and celebration.
'Til then, keep matters honest but low-key.
Judiciously,
Joe