Dear Abby:

I was married at a very young age to a man I never really loved. I have two fine teenage children. My marriage didn't work out because my husband used to beat me a lot. After I divorced him, I fell deeply in love with a woman. It was easy for me, since I had always felt a strong sexual attraction for women, but I never allowed myself to have an affair with

one.

I am now living with this wonderful woman and have never been happier The relationship is so comfortable and natural for me. My children know what I am and accept it, but my parents are giving me a hard time

I love my parents and know they love me, but they just don't understand my feelings. They disapprove of my mate and my lesbian lifestyle.

Should I give up my lover to please my parents? I'm 34

Dear Torn:

Torn in Two

If you are mature, you will make your own choice based on what YOU want, not on what your parents want. If your parents love you, they'll accept you as you are.