My family seems to be ignoring me or just *not* acknowledging me when I bring up my girlfriend?

Question

I keep trying to tell my family that I'm bi, because I don't want anything to "surprise" them at some point or whatever. But when I say "that's my girlfriend" or "my girlfriend drew that" or "I'm going out with my girlfriend tonight", they either say "Mmhmm, whatever" or something along the lines, or they're either genuinely not hearing me or just ignoring me, because they don't respond at ALL. This happens with my WHOLE d**n FAMILY, and I'm tired of it. How should I get them to listen?

BTW, I had a girlfriend for a while, and I'm referring to her, but we broke up. But I still want them to know in case I get back together with her or another girl.

Answer 1

It may be too much for them to handle.  They may hear you without really listening to you, if you know what I mean.  You've put it out there so you don't need to do anything else.  They may also think that this is a phase or something for you.  Find somebody to talk to that you think really is listening.

Answer 2

what sort of reaction are you looking for?  

If I were to say something casual such as "my boyfriend drew that"  or "it was a gift from my boyfriend" my family would react the same way yours is reacting to you talking about your girlfriend.

You say you don't want them to be surprised but you sound like you want them to register shock or outrage or some other over the top emotion.  From the statements you've made in the examples you've given, their reaction is totally appropriate and what you want.  It's a nonevent.  

Now if you were looking for an over the top reaction, tell them you're marrying her.  If they get bent out of shape because you're young then you know they accept you.  If they get bent out of shape because she's a girl then you know they aren't cool with you being bi.

Answer 3

I'm not too sure how old you are but bisexuality and homosexuality is still something that people from "back in the day" still can't grasp or get used to. I suggest to start with your parents, sit them down seriously and tell them "it really hurts me when you ignore who I am" or something along those lines, once you win the folks over the rest of the family shouldn't be an issue. Persevere they'll get it eventually and give you the respect you deserve but for now try and bit a bit patient with them and just think to yourself that these people are ignorant and need educating.

Answer 4

they may not becomftable  or may not want to accept who you are and just think your going through some kind of phase you need to make them realise your serious and that they should love you and talk to u no matter who you love bcos the fact your Bi dosent change who you are x

Answer 5

just keep it to urself cuz ur fam doesn't want to know about it

Answer 6

By now they have the picture of what you are saying.

They are just tired of hearing about it.

Answer 7

Theres nothing wrong with your family, in fact theyre acting as normal people would, what your doing in fact is horrible, get som help asap.

Answer 8

They might not want to say anything to upset you because your bi.  So they just don't say anything so that you don't end up hating them or something or maybe ever since you told them they just feel kind of awkward towards you now.  i mean imagine your best friend doing something that was totally unexpected  that makes you think different about him/her later on even though your still friends and it's kinda awkward between you two.  Like joining a cult or changing religion or something.

Answer 9

Keep it to yourself. If they dont wanna know they dont wanna know. If they cant accept you for who you are then thats just ridiculous. Bi's are perfectly normal andyour family should respect your lifestyle. Just ignore them when they behave like this =)

answer mine please?

http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/ind...

Answer 10

i don't think they like you bein bi so they wont answer til your straight

Answer 11

maybe they just dont want to say anythin that you mite find embarressing = ]

Answer 12

You're a pretty lucky girl. Some people in your situation are going though h**l. Some are thrown away from parents' house, some are being disowned; some bitten up. Give them time. It might take a year, maybe two, or maybe even more. My family had a hard time getting used to my husband (then boyfriend) because of our age difference. You can't really blame your family. Just give them a little more space.  

Answer 13

I think it makes them very uncomfortable. That is why they don't acknowledge it, they don't know how to respond. I would back off a little. Give them time to accept it. They may not be totally disapproving but maybe they are hoping you will grow out of it. They just dont want you to have a life where you are judged by everyone. Just give them some time, and don't push so hard.  

Answer 14

sounds to me like your ramming it down there throats a bit.

why do they have to make a song and dance about it your bi big deal you should be glad they seem cool about it.

maybe they think your just rebelling maybe they don't care does it really matter why you feel the need to keep going on about it ill never know

Answer 15

It makes them uncomfortable. Keep it to yourself.

Answer 16

ur family need to grow up and accept that ur 'bi'.they r bein childish jus ignore them for a change.

Answer 17

Just be happy that they don't care enough that they act that way, maybe there ok with it and just have that kind of attitude toards it, hey at least they haven't got mad or stopped talking to you , i wouldn't let it bug me. Cause it could be alot worse ..Peace

Answer 18

they are trying to ignore the situation-

they apparently think it will just go away on it's own.

You need to have a serious sit down with your family and tell them it is your life and your lifestyle and they are going to have to learn how to live with it.