My boyfriend wants me to tell my parents that I lied about being raped as a teen

I’m a 27-year-old girl and work in a children’s nursery. My boyfriend is 26.

I’ve suffered from depression since I was young. My mum had an alcohol problem and Dad could be violent.

I was ashamed of it and was always lying in school to explain why I was so miserable.

When I was 16 I told everyone I’d been raped on my way home from school.

I spun the story out for so long I began to believe it myself.

In the end I blurted it out to my parents who were very upset.

My parents have sorted themselves out now.

My boyfriend says he knows I made up the rape story and must tell my parents because they are decent people.

If I don’t, he says he’ll leave me.

DEIDRE SAYS: Making up stories to gain sympathy is common when the problem lies with parents and is one the child feels they can’t talk about.

Tell your boyfriend the truth of what your early life was like.

It’s an important part of your life experience.

My e-leaflet Abused As A Child? can help you both.

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