I didn't actually tell her myself, but she found out.. I think the first reaction is to worry about anything negative they've read about, hear about.. any of the pre-conceived ideas most people out there have. My mom is cool, really open minded to begin with, but this is something that people don't think we choose to do and the assumption most times, is that we're forced to for whatever other negative reason.. So that was her initial reaction..
It took a few long discussions but she slowly realized there was no need to worry, and she understood more of what it was actually like, as opposed to all the crazy stuff she was worried about. She's been totally fine about it since then. She gets a kick out of asking all kinds of questions about it out of curiosity. She knows me, trusts me and she's proud of me regardless of what I choose, but based on how I choose to do it. That's the way it should be IMHO. She couldn't care less or would not be more proud if I was a lawyer or doctor or whatever else, if I was unhappy, miserable, shallow and didn't enjoy it yet still did it. But that all depends on a parents values..
That being said, my dad doesn't know and I've never been tempted to even go there...not at all, not even just a little. lol
My experience with my mom was pretty much exactly the same. One time, I even brought her to the agency I worked at, at the time, to meet the phone girl, etc. We were on our way to Ice Capades, and it was right across the street. She is so cool, especially for how square she is. I am, SO lucky to have such an amazing mom. We were having lunch, one day, and she started to slip up saying something and stopped, with an "oops" look on her face. I finally dragged it out of her that she donated a portion of every pay cheque to PEERS, and has been doing so since she found out what I do. She actually went down there to learn more about the industry, and has been donating ever since, as a way to support me and what I do. I've never actually been to PEERS, or used any of their services, but I think it is so sweet of my mom to support them, as a way of supporting me. It's weird, because we are SOOOO different in so many ways, but now we are more like bonded sisters, than a mother/daughter relationship. (So lucky)
As for my dad...I was really avoiding talking to him for a while, because I am not into lying, and I didn't want to tell him, because I didn't want to hurt him. I think that avoiding him was hurting him more, though, because his only daughter never called. I wrote him a long letter, and was about to mail it, when he called and asked what I have been doing for money, so I just read the letter to him out loud. His reaction was a bit stunned, and "you're an adult, so you can do whatever you want." I could hear the wheels of imagination wildly running way off course, and I knew that would make him lose sleep at night, so I invited him to Victoria to see me, and to ease some of his imagined nightmares of what my life must be like. He said no, and hung up. I think his girlfriend talked him in to agreeing to come and visit me, and he arrived for his birthday. We didn't talk about my job very much, but it was so awesome to just have him see where I live, what my life is like, and that I am happy. I think it was the best time we have ever spent together, and just before he left to go home, he gave me a big hug and said he is proud of me. That was SO good to hear. A huge weight lifted off my shoulders, now that I know I can just be myself with the ones I love the most. Of course, both of my parents are still concerned for my safety, but the fact that I am always honest with them and don't avoid them is way better, for us, than them not having a clue and just wondering where I am.... I know that honesty isn't an option for everyone in this business with their families, so I am so grateful for the family I have.
ps. My brother knows, my uncle, and my great uncle (in his 70's), and my auntie (more like a sister/best friend) know too. They are all very cool.
