How do I tell my parents?

Lip Service question – How do I tell my parents?  Please help our friend by leaving your comment.

I could use some advice. I recently started seeing a guy from work. I am having a hard time trying to figure out how to tell my parents about it because I know they will not like it at all, and they can tend to try to be a bit controlling. The guy is black (I’m white), and he is 10 years older than me (I’m 26).  I need to tell them soon because my dad works at the same company, and people are starting to talk because they suspect. Please help!!

2 comments

  1. Either just come out and say it, or don’t worry about it. It’s none of their business anyway (I’d be careful though, most companies have policies about work-relationships). You can always say you were waiting till it got serious, especially if you’re just playing around right now, getting started.

  2. Hi there,

    I have to speak to this because I had a similar situation.

    First, check the HR manual at your company for what defines a ‘relationship with a colleague’. Some companies limit it to ‘supervisor/team’ relationships, others are much more specific.

    I would then let that guide me. Should you be in a different department, always be professional and keep work and personal life separate.

    On that level, get to know him for *him* and *you* for you. Having been in a relationship with 10 years difference, there are positives and negatives.

    What stopped me dead cold was not my family’s criticism, but his. He was the youngest in a large family and somehow he couldn’t bring a ‘white girl’ home to meet his mama and family. Also, I realized that when I would be nearing retirement, he would be a decade retired…and should we have kids, he would be almost retired when they finished high school.

    Don’t let me scare you – I’m a thinker – I think of everything. But what I can’t emphasize enough is good communication, confidentiality, discretion, and honesty.

    I do hope you find your soul mate.