Telling parents goodbye, but nervous of their reaction

[Niki22]

Hello all. I'm a 22 year old female in the DC area. I have a BA and a steady job with benefits. I'm set in all aspects. My boyfriend of a year is also set with a good steady job/career and has recently leased an apartment.

This apt has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Our mutual friend will be moving in with him. Thing is, for the past few months we have discussed and thought a lot about me moving in too. We both really want this and both feel ready emotionally and financially. We have plans to get engaged by 6 months of living together.

The "problem" is, is breaking the news to my parents. They are separated and a lot of family problems have been going on for several years now. I currently am with my dad in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath apt. My sister just moved in with us from our mom b/c of a fight. So now, on top of simply knowing I want to marry this guy, the family stress has gotten to be too much.

I am not running from my problems, b/c I still will be there for them. But living there just does not make me happy. My move in date is soon....just a few weeks. I want to tell them 2 days before so in case they do take it bad, there isn't much time for them to try and talk me out of it or worse, kick me out. So I'm waiting till 2 days before.

My sister and friends think it'll go over alright and they wont take it as bad as I think. I take care of all my bills except for housing. I guess I'm just so used to keeping them happy, I'm nervous to actually do something for myself. I'm afraid of their reaction.

I know when I tell them, I'll tell them that I love them and they aren't losing me. That bf and I have thought this over long and hard and discussed our expectations. I'll also let them know we have plans of marriage. But how do I get over my nervousness of telling them. In all other aspects, I'm a strong person....but this just scares me to tell them.

Please give advice and/or words of encouragement.