Daughter might not mature enough for street bike
Dear Amy: I'm a 22-year-old girl. I live with my mom (my parents are divorced).
My mom and I have a healthy relationship built on mutual trust and honesty, but I am struggling with a secret that I have been keeping for the past six months.
I was bit by the motorcycle bug at a young age, but she gets extremely angry every time I've mentioned it, because a close family member died on a motorcycle.
Mom has threatened to kick me out if I ever buy a motorcycle, so I went behind her back last summer and got my M1 endorsement and recently bought a street bike.
I am currently planning to move out this year for a job position, but the dates are not solidified. I keep my gear and the bike at a friend's house to avoid my mother finding out.
I recently told my dad everything, and while he has been horrified and worried for my safety, he understands because he also hid a motorcycle from his family when he was younger.
I feel incredibly guilty that I am keeping this secret from my mom, and I want to tell her, but I am scared of damaging my close relationship with her. She has health problems that worsen with stress, which could be very dangerous for her.
What should I do? I stayed away from motorcycles as long as I could, but it has been a dream of mine. Should I tell her? If so, how should I go about it?
-- Conflicted Daughter
Dear Conflicted: I don't want to come down too hard on you, but your selfishness makes my eyes water.
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