Parents can be protective when you tell them that you have a girlfriend. It can be an awkward and sensitive conversation, whether she’s your first girlfriend or doesn’t meet their expectations .So, the news is sure to cause a mini familial earthquake, but yes, there are things you can do to minimize the intensity of the tremors. Let’s dive into it!
1.Give it a serious thought
Breaking out the news to your parents wouldn’t be a joke, right? So before that ask yourself if its worth it ? Are we serious about this? Do we see a future with each other? Are we in a place where we can make commitments? Have we been together long enough to answer all these questions? Ask yourself all this, and if the answer to any of them is a ‘no’ or a ‘maybe’, then you probably need a few more days on the calendar to get this sorted.
2.Who will be the first one to know?
This can be a bit tricky at times, but you should go with your gut. One of the parents might be more of a confidant to you than the other, so tell that parent first. Go out on a walk with them or someplace peaceful and then spill the beans Orelse if you are equally comfortable telling both of them , then just tell them together.
3.Simple and short
You don’t need to give them a big and elaborate speech about how you have wanted a girlfriend for so long or list the twenty best qualities of your girlfriend after you have told them the news. Just tell them that you have a girlfriend, mention one or two nice things about her and tell them that it’s important for them to know because you want them to be a part of your life.
4.You will be bombarded with questions
What does she do? Who all are there in her family? What do her parents do? What are her future plans? How long have you been dating? Do her parents know? These are only a fraction of the million questions so , be prepared . And truth be told, it’s absolutely fine because parents would want to know every single minute detail about the girl who their son is with. Patiently answer as many as you can and if there is a question you are not comfortable answering, or perhaps do not know how to explain, say so in a polite way. Do not get cranky or offensive or defensive.
5.Sibling are as close as hands and feet
Remember how it always felt better to be scolded along with your sibling than to be the only one being scolded? So yes! Take the help of your sibling. If you are close enough to him/her/them then share the news with them first and get them on your side. Chances are that they will take it well and that will give you some confidence. Also, now you are not alone in the battle. You have your own little army to help you calm your nerves.
6.Open up only when your parents are in a good mood
Choose the best time to break the news. Don’t have the talk when they have just gotten home from work or are preoccupied with something else. You want to have their whole attention and you want them to be receptive.
7.A friend just like the others
Whenever you are discussing your friends with your parents, make sure she is on the list. Just like you talk about all other friends, talk about her too. So later on, when you break the news to them, the name will not sound alien to them and they will already know him a little.
8.Don’t keep secrets
Remember that your parents were young once and you shouldn’t just assume that they will react negatively. Your parents will always find out something that you are hiding from them, so keeping it a secret is not the best idea. Be sure to answer any questions about her truthfully.
9.Breathe in , breathe out
Don’t look for a lavish approval right away. Even if they say some negative things about her, do not react or make it an ego issue. Let them come to terms with the fact. It is as big a change for them as it is for you. You might not understand their possessiveness or concern right now, but later in life you too will realize they couldn’t have been more right.
So, what are you waiting for? Take these tips and break the news.