Dear Miss Emily,

Today my mom came home very early and walked in on my boyfriend and me in my bedroom.  I'm 16 and he's 17. We weren't going to have sex, but we were fooling around.  She yelled at us, and said he's not welcome in our home anymore.  Right now, she doesn't want to see me for the rest of the day...I just don't know what to do.

--------------------------------Miss Emily's advice---------------------------

I feel your pain! It's so humiliating when this happens. She's angry, right now, and you have to let her simmer down. Once she does, apologize and say it won't happen again. Banning your boyfriend from the house is fruitless, because you will find a way to see him no matter that restriction. Please try to reassure her that you have no intention of making that mistake, twice, and you will respect her wishes. Show eye contact, and be sincere in your effort. Do not get angry if she goes off on you. Be quiet and listen. You can't un-ring this bell, but now you know you can't take anything for granted.