How to Tell Your Parents About Your Long Distance Relationship
One of the hardest parts about dating someone who lives far away is figuring out how to tell your parents about your long distance relationship… There’s no right or wrong way on how to tell your parents that you’ve decided to do that crazy little thing called ‘long distance’. Most people don’t really understand the struggles of a long distance relationship unless they’ve experienced it firsthand, so warning: it may end up being a little bit of an awkward conversation. You’re most likely going to be asked a lot of questions, too, so make sure you’re prepared with answers!
No need to worry though! Things will be hard to explain to your parents at first, but trust me when I say, it’ll get easier. Love is so much greater than distance, so if you really love someone, then it doesn’t matter if your friends or family approves. It’s what makes YOU happiest!
Here is advice on how to tell your parents about your long distance relationship!
Something I’d highly recommend not doing is telling your parents about your relationship through a text message. The biggest reason why I personally think it’s better to tell your parents in person is because they’ll be able to see your emotions, and let’s be real – everything is always better in person! They’ll be able to see the emotion behind what you’re saying which is super important. However, if you think you’d be more comfortable telling them over text or email, that’s totally fine. I just personally believe it’s better to have this discussion in real life rather than over the internet.
STEP 1: FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO SAY
Don’t just walk into their room and say “hey mom and dad, I’m dating someone who lives in a different country, ok bye!” – I can almost guarantee, they won’t be happy! Instead, think of how you’re going to word your conversation (this part is important!) – You need to assure them that you know this person. Not know-know, but know… does that make sense? Let me break that down.
Before telling your parents, you need to make sure that the person you’re talking to is actually real, and not a catfish. Get to know them over FaceTime or Skype. Nowadays, a photo isn’t going to cut it – anyone can pretend to be someone else online. If you haven’t already, then you need to watch the show, Catfish! It’ll definitely inspire you to video call with them! So, just remember that it’s really important to make sure you know exactly who you’re talking to.
When you’re sure that who you’re talking to is who they say they are, then it’s time to tell your parents.
STEP 2: TELL THEM THAT YOU’VE MET SOMEONE WHO YOU HAVE (OR ARE THINKING ABOUT HAVING) A RELATIONSHIP WITH
Tell your parents about the different qualities of your boyfriend or girlfriend. If your partner makes you really happy, then make sure to tell that to your parents! If your partner is motivating and has inspired you to start trying new things that have benefited you, then mention that, too. Mention all the great things that you know about your partner. You want your parents to approve of them, so let them know how great of a person your partner is. If it comes off as they’re a complete stranger to you, then you can’t expect your parents to 100% approve of them. They only want what’s best for you, so show them that your partner is worth it!
STEP 3: TELL THEM WHERE YOUR PARTNER LIVES
Okay, here comes the hard part. This can go one of two ways… Either your parents are excited and intrigued, or they don’t like the idea of you dating someone who lives far away.
There are so many different types of long distance relationships… Your partner may live an hour’s drive away, 20 hours away, or sometimes, where they live isn’t driveable and you have to catch a flight! Regardless of how large the distance is, you need to ensure your parents that you’re making the right decision. I have so many stories of successful long distance couples that you could read about and show to your parents – check them out by clicking here!
STEP 4: TELL THEM HOW YOU’RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE RELATIONSHIP
If the topic of money comes up, it would be best to already have a plan in place. Long distance relationships cost a lot more than an average relationship. In my particular case, I have to buy plane tickets from New York to England multiple times a year! Sometimes, you’ll also need to pay for hotels, trains, etc… It all adds up! Explain how you’re going to be able to afford the relationship, as that’s usually one of the biggest concerns from parents when talking about long distance. This is the step that you’re going to want to be most prepared for.
At the end of the day, regardless of what your friends or family think, this is your relationship – so, if it makes you happy, and it benefits you, then GO FOR IT! Your happiness is just as important as theirs.
CONCLUSION OF HOW TO TELL YOUR PARENTS ABOUT YOUR LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP!
Hopefully, everything will go smoothly during your talk! I’ll be honest, it’ll probably be a little awkward, but it’s something that you’re going to have to be honest about with your family.
I hope you gained some insight on how to tell your parents about your long distance relationship! If you’ve already had this conversation with your family, then let us know how it went.
P.S. Speaking of being in a long distance relationship, if you’re currently in one, I’d love to hear your relationship story and potentially feature you and your partner on this blog! If interested, then please contact me here!
WISHING YOU THE BEST OF LUCK – YOU GOT THIS!
