Moving in with boyfriend shouldn't be gay teen's top priority

DEAR AMY: I am 18 years old and a senior in high school. I've been openly gay for about a year and a half. My boyfriend has asked me to move in with him in the next couple of months. My parents hate my boyfriend with a passion for no reason at all. I want to move in with him, but am afraid of how my parents will take it. I don't want to lose my relationship with my parents over this. How can I overcome this obstacle?Confused

DEAR CONFUSED: The only information you give about your boyfriend is that he wants you to move in with him and that your parents despise him.

I urge you to make sure that whatever choices you make are the best choices for you - regardless of pressure you're receiving from either side of this issue. You are legally an adult, but you also are still in high school; your priority should be to graduate and to find something useful to do with your life.

I'd never suggest that a high school student move in with a boyfriend or a girlfriend.

If your home life is abusive, dangerous or frightening, then, yes, you must leave the home, but from what you say, it's hard to tell if you fear anything more than your parents' disapproval.

The only way you can find out for sure how your parents would take this news would be to talk with them, listen carefully to what they say and then make the wisest, safest and healthiest choice for you.

DEAR AMY: "At a Loss" felt she was not a good wife because her husband always found fault in her. She should take it from me, who has been married to an overbearing bully for 37 years: Get out now! I stayed because I wanted a dad for our child - but at what cost? Foolishly, I stuck around, thinking things would get better. They only got worse.Been There

DEAR BEEN THERE: If you are still in your marriage, I hope you don't feel it's too late to follow your own advice.