Yes I can respect that, I just also think it's an even extra safety measure if the so-called third party knows all the details instead of only half the story. Not essential of course, but the more a trusted third party can know about your situation the better IMHO.
As the title of this thread suggests, I am interested in knowing how other people have (or haven't) broached the topic of BDSM with their family. In no way do I have to justify coming out to my family and neither do I have to force myself - it's my choice if I tell them but I'm hardly obliged to. I am just curious to know how common it is that people have explained their lifestyle to family members and any issues that might surround that. Thus all the questions posed in my initial post still stand guys :-)
Thanks for your post karley, I enjoyed hearing about your own personal experience.