I Have a Problem...

[Cecilia Peromi]

Hello furiends! I've come here with a bit of a dilemma. You see, I like it here and you guys are great! But my aunt (the person I'm living with) Is against the whole concept of online forums and internet friends. She doesn't know I have an account here yet and when she does find out, (I can't say "if" because it's really only a matter of time.) I'll be in a heap of trouble. If I leave now I can save my skin, (er... fur) but I really like it here! What should I do?

[Obey138 (Matthew "Fluffy")]

I'd talk with her about it.
What the hell is she thinking? Why is this bad for her?

[Cecilia Peromi]

Honestly, I've chalked it up to paranoia.
As for talking to her, she can be pretty hard to reason with.

[Angder]

You have 4 options:

try to reason with her.

Keep it a secret somehow

do as she says and stop visiting.

Tell her outright that whatever her thoughts on the matter, your 18. an adult. and you can make your own decisions now.

[Cecilia Peromi]

I guess I'll stick it out as long as I can. And when the day comes that she finds out. I'll defend myself as best as I can. In the end, I like being here and all, but if leaving here is something I have to do. Then I'll accept it.

[Obey138 (Matthew "Fluffy")]

YOU ARE NOT LEAVING, JUST BECAUSE SHE IS SCARED ABOUT MAKING FRIENDS USING INTERNET.

If you are adult, it's your decision.

Speak with her even more. Show her how it works.

Only the unknown frightens men. But once a man has faced the unknown, that terror becomes the known.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupery

[HollowOfHaze]

There will always be people on the internet that might make your aunt suspicious of meeting people this way. That can be expected. However, as hard to believe as it is, there are countless people willing to be civil and truthfull. That would be us (as far as I know). Technology connects the world, and you are simply accessing, and contributing to, these connections. Considering that you are essentially anonymous, there is no chance of your personal information being leaked or stolen. Because of this, the whole issue of potential cyber stalking or other malicious actions is pretty unlikely.


I myself have met my closest, most notable friend over the internet. He lives about 3,000 miles away, and I talk face-to-face with him whenever it suits the occasion.
Who says you might not find a friend or notable acquaintance here as well?


If she doesn't ask, don't tell. If she finds out, tell her something along the lines of what I said, if it suits the occasion.
Best of luck.

[Cecilia Peromi]

Thanks, I do feel that if I just explain it she'll understand, I don't plan on leaving any time soon.

[Reckless]

I wish i can  advice but this is tricky

Your aunt already sounds scary.

[Cecilia Peromi]

You aren't wrong there, but don't worry. I know what to do, I'm not about to leave just because of her opinion on this.

[Dr. Alka Wolf]

Yeah, I agree. I'm a bisexual in a relatively anti-gay/anythingthatisn'tstraight family. So, I can get where you're coming from. If you're 18, her opinions really don't matter all that much in the context of your life. It is after all your life. I'd also agree paranoia would have a large part to play in this, unless she just has some deep-rooted hate for a. the internet or b. social gatherings.


Doesn't change the fact that you call the shots buddy. Honestly, I really do like the forums here as well. Mostly the RP boards, but yeah. Allows me to disconnect with my usual stresses, and take on a whole other persona. Without people subconsciously judging me for how I look/stand/talk/[insert other things people can pick up about you irl but not here].


You stay here, and you make it clear, that you want to stay here dude! Best of luck with that~ 

[Teiko]

People are crazy.

[VoodooMax]

It is very hard to talk sense to someone about something they are completely against, so talking it out with her is not an advisable option. What you could do is go to the site when she is not there or  when she's sleeping. If you use the same computer as her you may want to consider deleting your browser's history to prevent her from knowing what you have been doing on that specific browser. Another option would be to use your phone or tablet, she won't know if you use something such as you own smartphone (If you have one).

It's sad to say but you would have to find times to use this site (as well as others) when she isn't around. As I stated before, it is very hard to talk sense to someone about something they are completely against.

[Halei-Helai]

Why, precisely, do you believe she might find out?

[Cecilia Peromi]

It's alright everyone. I've got it under control now! Thanks for the wonderful advice. I've never really been able talk to people about my issues before. You guys are great!