I want to talk to my parents about my sexual orientation (I’m gay), but it’s difficult for me because my mother is Catholic, and she has different ideas about this topic. My father comes from a family of male chauvinists. I’m scared to reveal to them my real personality, and I don’t know where to start. Another reason it scares me is that my father helps me economically. I am an architect, but my real passion is to teach yoga, and the money that I earn is not enough to pay the bills. I would appreciate some guidance from you because I’m lost, and I don’t know how to handle this situation.

— Juan Luis

From Erik: Juan, before you can be truthful with your family, you have to live truthfully with yourself. Be true to who you are. Be honest about yourself to yourself and to others. The more honest you can be with yourself, the easier being honest with your family will be. You might face judgments from them because it’s human nature to judge new information and to want to analyze and then try to rationalize, but don’t let that hold you back from being honest. Consider having a real talk with your dad about what love is to him. Respect his perspectives, but show him a new light, a new perspective. Be willing to expand your art in yoga to accommodate your financial needs. You need to get creative with it.