Erinn_the_bamf's advice column

I'm 17 years old and was adopted a little over 10 years ago by people I love very much. I can't help but wonder, though, about my real family. I have so many questions I want to ask them and I just want to know who they are. I'm not necessarily looking for a relationship - I don't think I could ever even consider calling them mom or dad, but I just have so many thoughts going on.
I'm afraid of hurting my parents - my adopted parents, that is. I don't want to tell them that I want to search for my birth parents because I don't want to upset them. I'm happy that they adopted me and even though we don't always get along, I know I have a better life here than I would have.
Would I be hurting my parents too much if I tell them I want to search for my birth parents? Should I just give up and try to forget about it?
I don't know what I'd say if I found my biological parents, I just feel like it's something I need to do, but I don't want to hurt my mom or dad.
HELP?!

You have every right to find your birth parents.

When adopting you, your parents probably knew you one day might like to find out who your biological parents are. It's something many children who are adopted would like to do. A friend of mine has an open adoption, but she still feels she would like to get to know her birth parents better. It is quite natural.

You are going to have to tell your parents you desire to research your biological parents. Explain that you have questions you would like to have answered, and it will in no way make you love them less. They most likely will understand. In some adoption agreements, however, the child cannot search for their parents until they are 18. Ask your parents how to go about finding them.

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