some friendly advice and reassurance?

[Amyyduck 20]

My boyfriend and I aren't officially engaged yet. The ring has been purchased but the proposal can't happen until next month when he comes to visit me. Tomorrow morning I'm flying home to California to announce the exciting news to my parents that we're getting engaged and starting the exciting but arduous K-1 process! Unfortunately my mom is severely disapproving of young marriage (we're both 22, will be 23 for the wedding)I think my Dad will be pretty excited, but I'm going to be completely heartbroken if my mom isn't supportive.

Any advice on the best way to tell them? They know I've know my SO since we were 10 and have been best friends since we were 15 or 16 (see my profile for the whole story) but I just don't think they see this coming! Help!!

[Matt&Kaci 3]

Just come out and tell them, if they are happy for you great, if they arn't then to bad for them. It's your life you have to do whats right for you. Hope your journey is a good one, and don't let anything change your path. Good Luck.

[mike101 8]

My boyfriend and I aren't officially engaged yet. The ring has been purchased but the proposal can't happen until next month when he comes to visit me. Tomorrow morning I'm flying home to California to announce the exciting news to my parents that we're getting engaged and starting the exciting but arduous K-1 process! Unfortunately my mom is severely disapproving of young marriage (we're both 22, will be 23 for the wedding)I think my Dad will be pretty excited, but I'm going to be completely heartbroken if my mom isn't supportive.

Any advice on the best way to tell them? They know I've know my SO since we were 10 and have been best friends since we were 15 or 16 (see my profile for the whole story) but I just don't think they see this coming! Help!!

Just tell your parents your plan and let them know what your plans are. You are an adult and its your life to live and not your parents. I know how it feels not to have 100% support of your family but you have to do what you believe is best for yourself.

Id say go for it and dont worry about what your mother will say.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Tell both of them when you are all together. Very often one parent is not happy about their child getting engaged, but life happens. Be sure to talk of your love and joy of being together and show lots of excitement. The shock will wear off and the reality will eventually start to settle in.

Most parents want what is best for their child, so they may have some misgivings about anyone, but possibly about your intended. You want to air any complaints now instead of letting them simmer.

I suspect that both of your parents will be okay with it as long as they know you and he will be able to support yourselves and have planned your futures together. I know this sounds like that pie in the sky talk, but that's what most parents want.

[Amyyduck 20]

Thanks you guys for the encouragement, hopefully in about 24-48 hours from now I'll be back on here posting about how amazing it felt to get it off my chest and how (hopefully) supportive theyre being!

[John and Camie 39]

I had quite the opposite reaction from my mom - she screamed and clapped and the whole bit when I told her, but I'm pretty sure it was because I'm pushing 35 and younger sisters were married off in their twenties.

Let us know how it went, Amyyduck! I'm cheering you on from the England portal!

[Bernie C 24]

What a great story! Seems like destiny has its workings (and by the way - the two of you make an adorbale couple hehe).

Just be straight up and tell them (I can sense the butterflies fluttering)

Youth should not always be measured in age but in maturity as well. Sometimes mom just does not want to let go (dad's too). The best thing you can do is show that you have the maturity and responsibility to take care of lifes adventure and that you are prepared to move forward with your hopes and dreams.

I wish you both the very best!

[Amyyduck 20]

@John and Camie and @Bernie C,

Thank you so much for the kind words, I went out to dinner tonight with my parents and my grandparents and finally made the announcement! After the initial "whoa, shock" and a couple of "this is a serious thing" and "are you sure you're sure?" type comments they seemed to be fully on board! Maybe not as excited as one would hope, but way better than I was expecting! I'm so happy! It feels amazing to get this weight off my shoulders and start the whole process for real! Because, of course, its not official until you tell your parents!

Thanks for all your support! It really means a lot to me!!

[Bernie C 24]

Alright

Now its time to get to work

Study the guide and get very familiar with the process and you will do just fine. I get a sense that you have a good head on your shoulders so you should not have any trouble with the forms (of course you will have some questions).

Mentally prepare yourself becuase there is a lot of waiting that takes place in the process and it can be very frustrating at times.

Good Lick and Best Wishes on your journey!

[Matt&Kaci 3]

Congrats, and Good Luck