And best of luck with your father and other family members. It may be a wild ride, but here's hoping your father surprises you and rises to the occasion.

Maybe he's already guessed, or maybe your coming out will be a complete surprise to him. If the latter, it might take him a bit of adjustment time -- try not to be too dismayed if that's the case, and understand that his initial reaction may not be his final one, especially if he's never thought something like this through before. You'll be the same son as the day before you told him, after all.

Are you out to any other relatives or family friends who, knowing your dad well, could offer specific advice about the best ways to approach him on this?

Have a splendid, love-filled marriage.

Your dad's acceptance is one thing.
Asking for his approval, and walking you down the aisle may be a stretch.

Best of luck to you both.
Let us know how it works out for you.

I have no advice, but wish you much happiness together!

No advice, just it's not going to get any easier putting off the inevitable. Find a good time. But I'm sure if you and your Dad have a good relationship you'll work it out.

As a straight woman I hated the traditional idea of marriage so much that my husband and I were married by a friend who was a pizza cook and a notary public. I didn't tell my parents ahead of time that we had gotten the license - the only person I told was my husband's ex-wife.

We drove over to our friend's house, woke him up, and passed him his jeans he'd left in the living room. He signed the license then we went out to find two witnesses to finish the document. We just wanted a quiet evening but word got around and our friends threw a massive party.

A couple of days later my parents called and I told my Dad we were married. Total silence - I thought he'd had a heart attack. Mom put on a reception in my home town for her friends and that was the extent of the celebration.

It stuck - that was in 1977 and we're still together and in it for the long haul. Our commitment to each other was and still is the important part for us.

If it is important for you to have the approval of your father, then see if you can talk to him about it. Otherwise, do what makes you and your loved one happy.

Best wishes!