How do I tell my Catholic parents that my lodger is actually my gay toy boy?

DEAR DEIDRE: HOW do I tell my parents that I don’t actually live with a lodger, but that we’re in a gay relationship?

I’m 42 and have been with my partner for six years. He’s 29.

I’m scared to tell them the truth because they’re strict Catholics with very outdated views

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Things were going so well that he moved into my flat two years ago. My parents think he’s renting the spare room.

I’m scared to tell them the truth because I’ve seen at first hand how heartless they can be. They’re strict Catholics with very outdated views.

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When my cousin told us she was bisexual, my dad said: “She’s not confused, she’s greedy. The younger generation wants any excuse to call themselves different.”

I’m sure they’d hate the fact their only son is gay – and that he’s dating someone 13 years younger than him.

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Is it weird that my Australian uncle pats my bum and calls me sexy?

DEIDRE SAYS: Dealing with other people’s opinions is a normal part of any relationship but it’s up to you how much you listen to.

The most important thing is your happiness and if keeping your relationship secret aids that, then don’t feel obliged to come out to your parents.

But they may be more accepting if they hear it from you.

Reach out to FFLAG (fflag.org.uk, 0300 688 0368) – its experts can help you think this all through. Plus, it also has a useful downloadable booklet, How To Tell My Parents.