Her parents know what living together entails



Dear Annie: I am a 24-year-old woman who lives several hundred miles away from my parents. I have been living with my boyfriend, "Keith," for two years, and my parents are fully aware (and mostly supportive) of our situation. They have grown to love Keith and respect our relationship.
The problem is that Mom and Dad are coming to visit us soon. Keith and I have had a few discussions about sleeping arrangements, and we aren't sure how to proceed. We live in a large two-bedroom apartment, and there's no question that one of the bedrooms will be used by my parents. The question is, should Keith and I share the other room while my parents are here, or should he stay on the sofa?
My folks aren't stupid. They know Keith and I share a bedroom, although I believe they prefer not to think about it. It will make my folks uncomfortable, knowing their little girl is sleeping with her boyfriend in the next room. However, it's my apartment and I should be able to govern what happens, which includes sleeping in the same bed with my loving, committed boyfriend.
Keith has offered to sleep on the couch as a sign of respect to my parents. While I appreciate the gesture, I don't have anything to hide. Any suggestions? Approval-Seeking Transplant
Dear Transplant: Give your parents some credit. They know you and Keith are living together and what that entails. They apparently are comfortable enough to visit regardless. Stop speculating and ask them how they feel about the sleeping arrangements, although it isn't necessary to give up your bedroom unless you want to. And Keith gets a big hug from us for being so sensitive and considerate. He sounds like a keeper.
Dear Annie: You printed a letter from "Confused in Canada," who wanted to know if she should tell her cousin that she actually was her sister.
I am 60 years old and have a sister 12 years my senior. Eight years ago, my sister informed me that my twin brother and I were not sired by the person I always had thought was my father. I checked her story out, and it was verified.
I wish she hadn't told me. I feel as though I've been kicked in the teeth. My advice to "Confused" is to keep her trap shut and let the young girl continue to accept her aunt as her mother. To do otherwise now, at this late date, is to open up a can of worms garnished with anguish and anger. Where Am I From?
Dear Where: We can understand your bitterness at this revelation, although many people prefer to know the truth, no matter how much it hurts. You are grieving for a past that has been altered, and the news has upset your sense of self. Please try to work through this so you can be at peace with the information.
Dear Annie: I am compelled to respond to the person who asked if anything can be done to rid the movie theaters of commercials.
We used to go to the movies on a regular basis, but we stopped. The money we saved has gone toward the purchase of a wide screen TV and sound system. It's a pleasure to sit in our own home with popcorn that doesn't cost a day's pay. There are no large heads to look around, no screaming children and nobody tripping over my legs en route to the restroom. Also, my feet don't stick to the floors.
The best way to combat commercials is to stay away from the theaters and not purchase the products advertised. We have to make a stand somewhere. Poughquag, N.Y.
Dear Poughquag: Most people enjoy the group experience of a movie theater, and we doubt many teenagers want to take their dates to Mom and Dad's to watch a DVD in the family room. But we don't doubt plenty of folks are on your side.
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