Reddit had a heart warming story of a father and his pride for his son. The Original Poster (OP) said that though the years of his childhood were marked by regret and missed opportunities, the love of OP knows no bounds, and nothing can diminish the fierce love he holds for his child.
A Phoenix Rising From the Ashes
Through a tumultuous journey marked by heroin addiction, OP rose from the ashes and claimed his role as the sole caretaker of his son after the young man said his mother and stepfather were abusing him.
OP witnessed the sweet young boy grow into a magnificent young man with a heart of gold, unwavering bravery, boundless generosity, and a spirit that shone brightly even through the shadow of the horrors he faced as a child.
When his son got accepted into a top-ranked university across the country, OP felt sad about his departure.
Yet, he celebrated his son’s triumph and proudly watched as he embarked on a new chapter in his life.
You Might Also Like: Parents’ Greatest Wins: Best Responses to Their Children Coming Out
He visited him every other month and saw the joy he found in his studies, the friends he made, and the life he was building for himself.
A Not So Secret Boyfriend
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, his son returned to the safety of his childhood home, but he was not alone.
With him came his “friend,” a young man who he shared his life and home with, and who the father suspected was more than just a friend.
For six weeks, they lived under the same roof, and though they thought they were discreet, OP couldn’t help but notice the small gestures of love between them.
He saw the whispered sweet nothings, the secret hugs, and cuddles in the dark and even caught them snuggling in bed one morning.
Trouble Deciding Which Road to Take
OP’s heart aches at the thought that his son and his partner may feel the need to hide their love and affection in his home.
He wants nothing more than for them to be comfortable and feel free to love one another openly.
He wants them to know that he supports them, no matter what.
Now, OP finds himself at a crossroads, wondering how best to approach the situation.
Should he leave it be and wait for his son to open up to him, or should he take action and let them know that they have nothing to hide?
How can he help them feel at ease in his home and show them that their love is accepted and embraced?
OP turns to the community, seeking guidance on navigating this delicate situation and ensuring that his son and his partner feel loved and supported.
You Might Also Like: Is Your Partner Gaslighting You? The Dark Truth About Relationships
The Advice Redditors Gave
Iamspamanda replied, “If you like his boyfriend (it sounds like you do!), then I’d say something like, “I hope you know that [boyfriend’s name] is always welcome in our family. It’s clear he really cares about you, and having people like that in our lives is so important.”
Another user said they had been in a similar situation and told OP what their parent did.
They wrote, “My mom sent me a text that said, “You never have to admit anything to me that you’re not comfortable with. But if Jasmine was ever more than a friend, I’d want to make sure she knew she’s loved here too.”
How They’re Doing Now
OP took the advice from Redditors and openly told him, “Son, I love you very much.”
He went on, “You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to, but I want you and him to feel comfortable being yourselves in my house, and you don’t ever need to hide anything from me, alright?”
His son was relieved by OP’s openness and felt more comfortable in his childhood home.
When his boyfriend came out to his family, he was met with anger and resentment.
Together they are relieved to find a safe haven in OP’s home.
Have you been in a similar situation? What would you have done?
This was a heartwarming Reddit post about a father seeking advice on how to deal with his son. Our article has been inspired by Reddit and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Wealthy Living.
This article was produced by Career Step Up and syndicated by Wealthy Living.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / DreamBig. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.