Hi Sukie!  I haven't had a chance to talk to you much in-game (you joined DF while I was completely out of commission taking care of my newborn).  I did, however, read your most recent blog and the subsequent comments.

I think your response to the feedback you have gotten is great!  I may not always agree with the conclusions that others come to, but so long as they have used critical thinking to formulate their opinions, I will respect the difference of opinion.

I think a lot of us can identify with the notion that we were brought up under certain influences (most notably, parents and/or religion) and then have at some point been faced with conflicting viewpoints, or at the very least, someone asking the simplest of all questions:  Why?

It's very easy to end up sharing the viewpoints of those around us; it is human nature, after all.  And that's not to say that you won't ultimately end up affirming those beliefs after a lot of careful thought, research, and soul-searching.  However, going through that process is what allows us to OWN our opinions.

I think your willingness to consider opposing viewpoints is extremely healthy.  Parents are not infallible.  But they do have valuable life experience and wisdom that we might lack.

I personally have, on the surface, very opposing views than that of my parents when it comes to the big philosophical categories.  What's funny though, is that the morals they instilled in me are very much present when it comes to the heart of my beliefs.  Fox news and talk radio are abundant in my parents household, and while I might get into tiffs with them from time to time about social and political issues, it's not at the forefront of our relationship.  I have an informed opinion, and while they often don't completely agree with it, I do think they respect it.  It's part of forging a new kind of relationship with your parents as you become an adult.

I say much props to you for keeping an open mind, being willing to do research, and come to your own conclusions about things, whatever that may be!  It can be hard to openly have a different opinion than your parents (if that's where you end up), but like all parents I am sure that they love you and want the best for you in the end.

My relationship with my parents has reached a point where I know what I can ask them about and what is completly pointless to discuss with them. Hell when my sister came out my house was basically split into two factions, me and everyone else (sister didnt live with us at the time) I think the way they behaved for the months after that made me lose a great deal of respect for them but luckily they've sort of developed a tolerance for stuff they disagree with such as my sisters sexuality so we're back to getting along. 

But on the positive side my mom has taught me so much about hard work and determination (She has more of it than a lot of people I know) and my dad has taught me a lot about how to be a better person. The way I typed that sounds kind of inconsistent with my previous paragraph but i think this is the longest thing I've written since summer break started...

Pretty sure I had that figured out by the time I was 5 or 6.  Being able to feel my feelings was always easier if I didn't tell anyone because they couldnt influence me then.  Also it was way way easier to get away with stuff if I just didn't tell them.

I'm 31 years old,   and i still ask my father questions,    But that doesnt mean i always agree with his answer,