Hey there! I'm panromantic ace and maybe I can help you a bit? You never have to feel like you need to shove yourself into a box with a specific label, but if identifying as ace or aro makes you feel more comfortable with yourself, that's fine too! If you're ace, you probably don't feel attracted to others, but you might still feel like having a romantic partner that you have a really deep, loving relationship with. And if you're aro, you probably don't feel even romantically attracted to people, so the idea of having a romantic relationship might be something you don't understand/want/need, even if you have amazing relationships with family and friends. And you can be either one, both, neither, whatever! There are also tons and tons of degrees to which you are ace or aro. It varies from person to person!

And I hope things work out with your family. If you don't think it's safe to talk about it with them, then don't, but you can try bringing it up and see how they act. A lot of people, even if they're okay with people being gay or bi or whatever, still tend to say things about how ace/aro people don't exist. Which really sucks. Because we do exist! So I wish you the best of luck, whatever you decide to do. <333

Hey there Anon! I know that navigating your identity may be a little bit confusing, and the Admin said it pretty well: don't be afriad of being 'wrong'- nobody knows yourself better than you! It's ok if you decide to change over time as you grow up, and it's also totally cool if you're fine with staying aroace. Whatever fits you best is the right choice :) I know it's a bit confusing (i'm still deciding whether I'm pan or bi, and I might be aroace as well) but just know that whatever you decide, you are perfect the way you are and we all accept you for who you are. We're always here if you need to talk!!

Hi, anon! I agree with what the admins, Leafy, and Silver Crystal, it's totally okay if your identity changes! I know that sometimes it feels like you have to know exactly what your identity, but that isn't the case. I know that when I first starting questioning my indentity, I used she/they pronouns but I realized that I wanted to use he/him pronouns. Your indentity can be confusing and messy and it's okay to feel unsure about it and it's okay if it ends up changes. 

Also I forgot to add this. I get what you mean about your parents, it's hard sometimes when you don't know how accepting they'll be. If you feel comfortable telling them and possibly teaching them, then go for it! Another thing you go do if you're really know sure how they'll react is to sort of test the waters first. You could say "I have a friend who is ace or aro", or "I saw a character who was (insert indentity)" and see how they react to that. Good luck, anon! 

My CATCHPA says "panza". Are you pan, CATCHPA? Happy Pride!