How do I tell my parents I'm engaged?

Question

I'm 23 years old and from Scotland but currently living and working in Hawaii. I have been here for a year and a half and met the man of my dreams not long after I arrived. He recently asked me to marry him, and without a doubt of hesitation I said yes. The only thing is, my parents have never met him, they have only heard about him from what I have told them. I met his parents last month, and they immediately approved and gave my fiance their blessing to ask me to marry him. But now that I am engaged I am scared to tell my parents, as they have never met him or ever had any personal contact with him. I don't want them to disapprove, and give me a lecture about how they don't even know this guy etc etc. But that is not my fault, I live in Hawaii and we both cannot afford the airfare to Scotland just so they can meet him, and nor can they, especially now that we are saving for a wedding! I suggested that maybe my fiance e-mail my parents to introduce himself and tell them how much he cares about me, and let them create a relationship through email and maybe a few skype sessions before I break the news to them? Please help me :(

Answer 1

Just tell them.They're your parents and they should support you no matter what.If you really love that guy then everything will work out.Just make sure your wise about it and wait until the right time and tell them.Parents usually support their kids no matter what even if it doesnt really show.

Answer 2

You're going to have your fiance email them? For goodness sake, have the man pick up a phone!



I feel like if you are in touch with your parents at all and they have half a brain they will probably not be surprised, unless you have been keeping him secret. They will likely figure it out when you make a point to make sure they get to know each other. So I wouldn't worry that much about it. Plus it would be better to get it over with now before they hear from someone else-- THEN they will be upset.

Answer 3

Just tell them!



This is huge, wonderful news. Keeping it from them for a couple months is only going to cause heartache.



Imagine this scenario - you're at the wedding reception, chatting with some relatives and your parents, and someone asks when you got engaged. You say "May of last year" and your mother says, "May? May?! You told us it happened in July. Why did you keep it a secret?"



And then feelings are hurt and people feel betrayed and you come off as dishonest.

Answer 4

You two should be on Skype every night getting your parents acquainted with him. The email idea is an ok idea, but Skype is much better because they can see his face and get a feel for his personality, watch you two interact, and establish a relationship 'face to face' as it were.



Go on Skype as often as you can ... at least every other day, with your folks, and get them talking with each other. I like the idea of Skype and lots of phone calls by far over emails, although if he has a way with words, maybe an email after he's established a relationship and bonded with them over Skype. I think the fact that his folks approved is a good sign, too.



Skype is definitely the way to go.



:D Best of luck to you

Answer 5

Sure, introduce him to your parents through email and skype, and let them get to know him. That sounds like a great idea. You really shouldn't be afraid to tell your parents that you're engaged, you're 23 like you say and that's old enough to decide what you want to do and they should be able to understand it.

Answer 6

I would tell them, either on the phone or on Skype. I'm sure they'll understand that they can't meet him in person right now, and I'm sure they only want for you to be happy. But, they won't be happy if and when they find out that other people knew of their daughter's engagement before they did. I wouldn't have him "meet" them via the internet before they know about it, because they'll find out that you were already engaged, and they'll feel hurt. Just tell them. They'll be happy for you.

Answer 7

Call and tell them the news. Send them pictures or a video of the two of you together. Both of you should talk to them in the video expressing your joy and love for each other. Let him talk to them over the phone also. Why hide your love? You are an adult, an independent woman and old enough to make your own decisions. Congrats and good luck!

Answer 8

I think you should have a long engagement. I would tell them that you're engaged as soon as possible. They may resent being the last to know. Be happy, and excited when you tell them. Then let them know that you're taking the engagement seriously enough to have a proper courting period. This will calm their fears instead of allowing them to think that you're just going "spur of the moment".

Answer 9

Send them a lovely bouquet of flowers or a large fortune cookie along with a personal note that says "I have some wonderful news to share with you! Please call ASAP!" They may worry that you're pregnant so when they do call you they'll be relieved to hear your marrying the man you love.



Congratulations on finding the man of your dreams and may you have a lifetime of bliss together as husband and wife!

Answer 10

just tell them...im sure they would understand....i think at 23 your old enough to make your own decisions...:D

Answer 11

Tell them with words, or draw them a nice picture.

Answer 12

i would do it in the english language.