TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I like this girl (I am a girl too). I have never thought this way before and it is kind of scaring me. But I know I am liking her a lot and she likes me too. My parents don't approve of homosexual people at all. They say some pretty mean stuff about them. My parents think I am straight, so do my friends. Should I "come out" and tell them? Should I try to get together with this girl? I am so confused. One more problem. I am used to cut and I stopped for a month, now I find that I am cutting again (once) and I don't know what to do..? Any advice at all would help. Thank you.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Dear Teen, Thanks for contacting Teen Line. Its sounds like your going through a hard time. It's really brave of you to be considering coming out even though your parents might not approve. If you are not comfortable coming out, you can wait until you are ready. But if you feel comfortable, coming out might be a burden off your chest. Do you think it would be a good idea to come out to your friends before your parents? That way you will be able to start out slowly before rushing in to tell your parents. In terms of this girl you like, it seems like a really great thing that you have found someone you enjoy being with and understands where your coming from. But, if it is scaring you and you don't feel ready for a relationship, then you should not feel it neccessary to rush into a relationship. If you feel you would like to talk to someone, you can call the National Gay and Lesbian Hotline at (888) 843-4564.

You mentioned that you cut once again after you stopped. It's really great that you recognized that you are doing something harmful towards your body. What were you doing previously that stopped you from cutting for a month? Have you told anyone, like a friend, trusted adult, or school counselor, about your cutting? Maybe he or she could help you stop again. Also, have you tried wearing a rubber band around your wrist and hitting it against your wrist whenever you feel the need to cut? Doing this may give you the same sensation as cutting but with less injury to your body.

If you feel you would like to talk to someone, Teen Line is open from 6pm to 10pm PST at (310) 855 HOPE. I hope works out well.