ANNIE’S MAILBOX: Daughter’s sexuality has them confused

By Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar

Dear Annie: Is it unusual for a 25-year-old to not know her sexual orientation?

In her senior year in high school, our daughter told us she thought she was gay. She then had a relationship with another girl that didn’t turn out well. When she was a college sophomore, she had a long-term relationship with a guy who treated her beautifully. It was the happiest we had ever seen her. However, that relationship broke up, too, because he wasn’t the right guy for her. (We agreed.)

Since then, she has dated men who have treated her poorly and women with whom things haven’t “clicked.” She told me she is not opposed to dating men as long as they are decent guys.

We will accept her for whoever she is. But tell me, Annie, isn’t this kind of confusion unusual at this stage of the game?

Confused Parent

Dear Confused: Not necessarily. There is often a lot of experimentation at this age, and it is also possible your daughter is simply bisexual and attracted equally to both sexes. Her bigger problem seems to be choosing inappropriate partners. We are glad you will accept her regardless.

Dear Annie: I have always dreaded taking a bath or shower. Baths always leave me chilled. I dislike showers because I nearly drowned as a child and cannot tolerate getting my head wet. It’s gotten so bad that I go for weeks without washing. Friends have noticed and commented on my unpleasant body odor. I don’t want to offend them, but I cannot overcome my phobia. I am seeing a psychiatrist and a counselor, but I’m ashamed to bring this up.

Need Help in the Midlands

Dear Midlands: There are ways to shower without getting your hair wet. If your friends have noticed your lack of hygiene, your psychiatrist and counselor certainly have, as well. Please don’t be embarrassed to discuss it with the very people who can help you most.

Dear Annie: Your response to “Frustrated in Pa.” was not my favorite. He said she was more interested in sex after a night out with the girls. Along with other advice, you gave the impression that something else might be going on. Assuming this woman is in her 40s, she is just like me. I, too, have a tendency to be more “vibrant” after being out with the girls. Time away from dishes, laundry, kids, homework, bills, etc., along with time to be myself, makes me feel younger and sexier.

“Frustrated” is probably tired and stressed. To insinuate that she is doing more than decompressing offends me.

Glad My Hubby Understands

Dear Glad: We are all in favor of a girls’ night out and understand how it can help relax an overworked, stressed-out wife. That wasn’t his problem. It was that the only time they had sex was after such a night out, when the wife was completely drunk and her sexual appetite was voracious. Your situation sounds normal. Hers does not.

Creators Syndicate