Q&A for How to Know if You're Adopted or Not

Do what you want to do. If you really want to know the truth, insist on seeing the documents. Say that it won't hurt you, you just want to know the truth.

Don't be concerned. Be open with your parents about your suspicions, and give them the chance to prove you incorrect. Chances are you are not adopted, but if you are, you can tackle that hurdle when you get to it.

Yes, it's possible. It is best to speak with your parents about this, but it is not impossible to look nothing like your mom and dad.

Not looking much like your family isn't much to worry about if that's the only reason you're suspicious--many people don't feel like they look like their family (but others may disagree, and think that person does). Yes, blonde hair and freckles are genetic--but the latter are also caused by the sun and can fade over time, be covered by makeup, or perhaps appear on parts of the body other than the face--but again, they aren't the best proof for being adopted. Simply asking your parents or another family member may tell you what you want to know, but once you're old enough you may want to follow the steps to this article more thoroughly.

This could mean either she is just curious, or she is lying to you. You might want to casually bring up the topic of adoption again and see what happens.

It sounds like you are adopted. Tell her that you suspect you are adopted and she what she says.

It could, but many people look like other people who are not in their family. You can try talking to your parents about it. Ask them to be honest with you, and tell them you don't mind, you're just curious to know the truth.

Yes, parents often joke about this. If you were really adopted, they wouldn't make jokes about it.

Yes, that means he is not your biological father.

They probably won't get angry at you for just asking, as long as you don't accuse. When you're asking, try not to sound like you're blaming them or anything, and it really shouldn't be that big of a deal. In a few years, this might be an incident to laugh about. But if they do get mad, don't forget to remind them that you were just asking.

Lots of reasons - no camera, they lost them, they didn't take any. Obviously, adoption is also a possibility, but those reasons are much more likely. You should ask!

It sounds like you could be, but you can't be certain. All you can do is talk to your parents about it.

No it does not; perhaps the situation surrounding your birth is something your parents do not want to discuss. For example. In Third World Countries, it is not uncommon for people to be born without birth certificates, and later on have one created for the legal purposes; resulting in a birth certificate day different from the person's actual birth date. If they have lost it, they might be concerned that it costs money to replace and they don't have that money. There can be many other reasons, don't jump to conclusions.

Set up another visit, genuine, and sincere. Talk as you normally would, asking how your mother's day was, and so on. Lead up to an honest, non hostile or 'pointing-the-finger' conversation, express your true concerns and display how uncertain you are about things and how this disturbs you. Honesty is the best thing to utilize, and make sure it's a solemn time, and her attention is undivided. Maybe to break the ice, go out for frozen-yoghurt and let her know that she means a lot to you and you love her, this will let her know before hand that you mean no disrespect by the approaching question, and you only have a few insecurities that need some closure.

Usually they don't want the child to think of them as "not their real parents," or in a case where explaining at a young age would be difficult, i.e. if their biological parents are dead or have abandoned them.

You could be, but many people who are not adopted look nothing like their parents, so it doesn't necessarily mean you are adopted.

Well, he did just tell you that you are indeed adopted. So you've found out you're adopted.

It may be that it is in an inconvenient place or it would cost them money to get it out. I would say this alone is not evidence that you're adopted.

Talk your parent to see if they have information about your birth family. There are several companies now that will analyze your DNA for potential familial matches. Facebook and other social media has also helped many adoptees connect to their biological families.

"By declaration" on a birth certificate just means that the birth has been declared, i.e. that your parents have made your birth known.

I think you should ask your parents about it if you really feel strongly, but it could just be a misleading hunch. But remember, don't accuse them or get angry at them. Stay calm and you'll be fine.

People change a lot through childhood, and it's unlikely that your parents faked your baby and childhood photos. Ask your parents if you are truly worried.

It is possible you were adopted, but it is more likely that you just take after someone else in your family tree. There are tons of people who feel like they don't "fit in" to their family of origin; it's very common.

There are ways other than your birth certificate to find out if you're adopted. Use one of the other strategies in this article, such as a private investigator or asking your parents.

Lactose intolerance can be something children develop at an early age, then grow out of. It's quite likely that you aren't adopted, but that you just happen to have this. It never hurts to ask your parents if you're adopted if you have more evidence of it being possible.

Use every piece of information you might have. If you know the name, search for it online. If you know where she's from, even better. Search on social media, possibly prison records and any other thing that could help you. If you can, look through official documents. If you have no information, you probably won't get too far. You can hire a detective if you're old enough. Perhaps even try to track her down using DNA test. It's best asking your dad about it though.

Genetics are incredibly complex and because of this it is difficult to know for sure, genes can skip generations and can lay dormant for many generations, which could lead to you having physical features that are different from your immediate family as your appearance could have come from a distant great great grandparent. The best thing to do is to talk to them, as not knowing the truth and guessing can be harder than knowing the facts.