Parents in complete denial that he's gay

DEAR ABBY: I'm a gay male college student who is out and comfortable with who I am - 99 percent of the time. When I was in high school, I tried to come out to my parents and it didn't go smoothly. They had an emotional crisis for a day, then shrugged it off as "just another teenage phase." After the panic mode was over, they bought me off with an expensive car and continued believing I'm straight.

I make no attempt to hide who I am because I expect to be treated the same, regardless. But it's awkward whenever I am asked by either parent, "Do you have a girlfriend?" or "How are you doing with the ladies?"

Do you have any advice on what I should say in response, given my parents' emotional reaction?

- It's Who I Am in California

DEAR WHO I AM: It is obvious that your parents are in denial. If you haven't told them again about your sexual orientation, you should.

If you are unable to summon up the words to tell them that what they are waiting for isn't going to happen, then contact PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays - pflag.org), not only for your own sake, but also for theirs. In light of your parents' reaction the last time you leveled with them, they may need emotional support to accept that you are gay, and PFLAG can provide it.

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to my husband for a year. He has met all of my family members. I have asked repeatedly to meet his, and he tells me he's planning a family trip to visit. He seemed annoyed when I brought it up. What should I do?

- Left Out in Florida

DEAR LEFT OUT: That you have had no contact with these people is, frankly, beyond strange. It appears there may be some things your husband hasn't told you. He may be ashamed of his family, on the outs with them, or they were never told about his involvement with you. Because you have now been a member of their family for a year, pick up the phone, call your in-laws and introduce yourself.