Over the past couple of months, DD14 has been spending a lot of time with a new friend. I knew this girl had previously been in a relationship with another girl, so I began to wonder whether there was more going on than just friendship.
About two weeks ago, during a car journey, I gently brought it up with DD. I asked whether she was seeing her, and she said that she was. She then asked if I was mad at her. I told her that I love her and that I support her no matter what. I also explained that we needed to set some boundaries, such as keeping bedroom doors open when the girl is visiting.
Privately, I have been finding the situation quite difficult.
DD and I have always been close, but as she has entered her teenage years, parenting has become more challenging.
She has started to show typical teenage behaviours, such as some attitude, not listening and becoming more self-absorbed.
More seriously, last year she struggled with her mental health, including disordered eating and self-harming. We sought professional help, and although it was an incredibly difficult period, things did improve.
Then this morning, I noticed that she had love bites on her neck - and then helped her cover them up.
Part of me feels this is a phase. But, I don't know.
Aside from the above, she does well at school and has lovely friends.
How would you deal with this??
Honestly, I feel a bit lost.