Lesbi Honest…. Part 1
Asha wiped under her eyes hard.
“The goal is for you to choose me. Every time. Not hesitate. Not grab my arm under tables. Not look scared when your mama gets slick with me.”
Riley swallowed.
“You think I don’t choose you?”
“You didn’t tonight.”
Silence sat between them heavy.
“She looks at you like you’re hers,” Asha continued quietly. “Not like a mother looks at a daughter. Like competition. And you let it happen.”
Riley shook her head.
“You’re reaching.”
“I’m not,” Asha snapped. “You saw her face when you showed that tattoo. That wasn’t concern. That was possession.”
Riley leaned against the porch rail, rubbing her temples.
“She’s always been like that. Overprotective.”
“No,” Asha corrected. “Overattached.”
Riley looked up sharply.
“Don’t make it weird.”
“It already is weird.”
Another pause.
“You know what hurt the most?” Asha said softly. “When I stood up for us… you were embarrassed of me. Not her.”
Riley’s jaw tightened.
“I was embarrassed of the moment.”
“Same thing.”
Wind brushed across the porch. Inside, laughter slowly returned like nothing happened.
Riley finally spoke.
“You went too far.”
“And she didn’t?”
“She shouldn’t have asked that but—”
“There you go,” Asha cut in. “But.”
Riley sighed hard.
“I love you.”
“Love without protection don’t feel like love.”
That hit.
Riley stepped closer.
“What do you want me to do? Cut my mother off?”
“I want you to set boundaries,” Asha said. “Firm ones. I want her to know I’m not temporary. I’m not a phase. I’m your family now.”
Riley studied her face — the tears, the hurt, the fear behind the anger.
“You think she’s trying to break us up.”
“I know she is.”
Riley was quiet a long moment.
Then:
“She did this with every relationship I ever had.”
Asha blinked.
“What?”
“Every girlfriend. Every serious one.”
“She always found a way to make them uncomfortable. Push them away. Play victim.”
Asha’s chest tightened.
“So I’m not crazy.”
“No,” Riley admitted quietly. “I just didn’t want to believe she’d do it again.”
Asha nodded slowly.
“That’s the goal then,” she said. “Not arguing. Not scenes. The goal is you standing up — before it gets worse.”
Riley exhaled.
“I should’ve checked her at the table.”
“Yes,” Asha said simply.
Riley reached for her hand this time instead of pulling her.
“I will next time.”
Asha searched her eyes.
“Promise?”
“I promise.”
Inside, Karen watched through the window — her face unreadable.
And Asha felt it in her gut.
This wasn’t over.
Not even close.
In many LGBTQ+ relationships, navigating family dynamics can be one of the biggest challenges couples face. The story of Riley and Asha highlights a common but painful experience: dealing with overattached or toxic parents who struggle to accept their child's partner. From my own experience, I've found that setting clear and firm boundaries is essential to safeguarding your relationship's health and maintaining your own mental well-being. It's important to recognize that possessiveness disguised as concern can cause deep emotional harm. Like Asha points out, love without protection doesn't truly feel like love—it can border on control and manipulation. When a family member tries to push your partner away or makes them feel uncomfortable, it's not just a minor family issue but a barrier to healthy connection. One tactic that has helped in similar situations is open and honest communication between partners about these challenges. Both Riley and Asha show the need to support each other when family interference occurs. Choosing to stand together and vocalize boundaries to the overattached family member can prevent further damage. I've learned that it’s okay to prioritize your chosen family when biological family creates toxicity. Another takeaway from this episode is the pattern recognition in toxic behaviors. Riley realizes her mother's pattern of breaking up her relationships isn’t new—it’s a cycle that can be identified and addressed rather than internalized as personal failure. Understanding these patterns allowed me to validate my feelings and prepare strategies rather than accept blame. Finally, patience and empathy within the couple are crucial. Navigating parental interference is emotionally exhausting and can create moments of embarrassment or hesitation, as Riley shows. Yet, reaffirming love and commitment—as they do by promising to stand up for each other—builds resilience. For readers facing similar struggles, remember you are not alone. Seeking support groups, therapy, or online communities focused on LGBTQ+ relationship health can provide additional tools and reassurance. ‘‘Lesbi Honest’’ shines a light on the messy reality of these dynamics while offering hope that love and firm boundaries can prevail.
Where’s the next part!?!?…can’t just leave on a cliffhanger!!!