Ask Amy: Parents refuse to recognize gay relationship

Dear Amy: I’m an out and proud gay woman. Two years ago, I met a wonderful girl. We had an instant connection and started dating.

After initially sneaking around, she told her parents about us.

She is an only child, and her parents are traditional, old fashioned, “my way or the highway” people.

I differ from them in almost every aspect of life.

Until this year, she lived at home with them, and things were uncomfortable for her — the topic of her relationship with me was always the elephant in the room.

I was never spoken about or acknowledged; they simply pretended that I don’t exist.

Her mother seems to be trying to be open. She and I exchange small talk over social media, but her father still won’t acknowledge me at all.

I attended a holiday party where they were also present, and he ignored me for the entire night.

When we go to their house, I am not welcomed inside. He doesn’t acknowledge any part of her life having to do with me.

I have done a lot to try to present myself respectfully to him.

I’ve purchased Christmas gifts for them, baked pastries, done favors, and I’ve never gotten even a “hello.”