Do people who try to stop gay love deserve to be punished?

[Brian37]

There's a gulf between what people deserve and what they get, or what we're willing to give.   So..it may be the case that some act means that a person deserves something super shitty, but most of us do a little napkin math about how shitty it would be to make sure they get what they deserve and decide what we're going to do about it based on the difference between the two.

That's true. It's also true that morality is subjective. But if you were in the mentioned child's situation, would you stop the relationship?

I mentioned the cost benefit issue in any relationship. With a teen, or even a college student dependent on a parent for financial support, the subject isn't as easy. Nobody can ultimately tell you what to do with any relationship.

But the only cut and dry thing I would say would be physical and mental abuse. Nobody has the right to be physically or mentally abusive to you. But in a financially dependent situation when you are not of age, it isn't that easy. I've listened to atheist and gay teens over the years, and sometimes the best they can do is to lay low until they save enough money to get out on their own.

I do know from personal experience though, it is far easier to deal with parents as an adult. As an adult you are not legally bound to do what they say. It is still important to not shoot yourself in the foot without having a financial plan and place to stay if they were to decide to cut you off.

You have a right to be you ultimately. Telling someone or not telling them, is a case by case issue and only the person in that position can judge what they can do. But be pragmatic about it, and whatever you say, if you eventually do, it does not have to be a war in that case either.

Those who truly love you will not abandon you, even if they don't understand at first. Time usually bridges that gap as an adult.

The good news is, you can always plan and save even if you don't want to be open now. The good news is that once you are on your own and can support yourself, you'll find it easier to deal with any relationship.