Hi! We're Jill and Sarah, OKCLesbian.com's new advice columnists. We're both 21 and seniors in college. Now you might be asking yourself, why would you ask us for advice? Well, we might not be very old or very wise, but we're pretty damn funny. Not funny ha-ha, funny queer. And maybe funny ha-ha. On occasion.

On a more serious note, we know a thing or two about a few different subjects. For instance, we're in a working, committed relationship (with each other), so we know the problems that can arise from that situation (and how to solve them).

Jill's addicted to fashion and food and stuff like that, so if anyone should need any advice on that (recipes, etc.), she'd be more than happy to help.

Sarah clings to the carpet with her toes so she doesn't fall over. Don't ask her about taxes. But she'd be thrilled to answer your questions about grammar, punctuation, and sex.

The point is, we live life. We encounter real life situations. We don't live in a bubble. We have two cats, for God's sake. Don't get us started on reality.

Or do, since we are advice columnists. It's good to be on board.

Dear Dykes,

Until very recently, I have only ever dated men. A few months ago though, I started dating my best friend - a girl. We're getting along great and I'm really enjoying myself, but there's always one little arguement that keeps coming up. My girlfriend is very open about her sexuality, with both her family and friends, and she sometimes gets irritated because I haven't told my family that I'm dating her.

The problem is, I've been raised by strict Baptist parents, and I know they'd completely freak out if I told them I was dating a girl. They might even disown me. And despite everything, I really like my family.

So my question is, do you think I should do what my girlfriend wants me to do, and tell my family, even though it could mean completely estranging myself from them?

S.

The Dykes Say...

Sarah: Calm right down, S. If you're not comfortable coming out to your family, you really shouldn't have to do it.

Jill: I agree with Sarah. You absolutely don't have to do anything you're uncomfortable with.

Sarah: While I can understand your girlfriend's point of view (having to play straight around family sucks; I speak from experience), she ought to be understanding enough to realize that it's not your family's acceptance that matters.

Jill: Ultimately, you have to sit down and ask yourself, "What's more important to me, my relationship with my girlfriend or my relationship with my family?"

Sarah: Or you could just have both, and keep your mouth shut around your Baptists.

Jill: But if that's too hard for you, and you can't have fun, you need to make the decision to let one of them go. It's tough, but for you living a lie might be tougher. Do you have anything else to say?