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194 The Teen Survival Guide to Dating and Relating
My parents read my email!
Hey Terra,I’m an only child, and my parents are totally nosy. I spend a lot of time in chat rooms and have
met a ton of really cool people. We email each other all the time, and I caught my parents
reading my email. They read my journal, too. I know this because I found it in a different part
of my drawer from where I always put it. They even listen in on my phone conversations. They
say they’re worried about me, but I haven’t done anything wrong. I feel like I want to put a
lock on my life!No PrivacyDear No Privacy,
Your parents seem super protective. I understand that this can be frustrating, especially since
you’re not doing anything wrong. However, I suggest that you accept that your parents are
the worrying kind, which isn’t all that unusual when there’s only one kid. In families with more
than one child, the worrying usually gets spread around and isn’t concentrated on one person.
Your interest in chat rooms probably makes your parents anxious. I’m not saying that your
Internet friends are untrustworthy, but there areweird people who hang out in chat rooms.
That’s a reality, so it would help to understand that your parents have reason for concern.
On the other hand, you’re entitled to some privacy. Talk to your parents. Calmly explain
that you’re growing up and that you need your privacy. Tell them that they can trust your judg-
ment. Try to ease their worries by letting them know that when you’re online you won’t give
out your last name, home phone number, or home address to the people you chat with.
If your parents see that you’re being responsible, they may be more likely to start trusting you.
I hope this helps!In friendship,
Terra