Hi Caitlin-Joyce. Like Tom, I’m not a parent, but I thought I’d chime in as well. I can see why they’d be worried for you and protective of you, and I get how it’s tough for him to redeem himself in their eyes because of the distance. Perhaps it might help to tell your parents you can see things from their side–that you can understand why they’d be concerned, and that you appreciate that they’re looking out for you. Then you can let them know that you’re aware that the future could repeat itself, but if that happens, you’ll deal with it then and learn from the experience.

The other day, I actually read an old journal of mine from around the time when I was 22. I wrote about how my parents were unhappy with my dating choices (I was doing a lot of online dating) and how I wished they’d let me make my own mistakes, if they turned out to be mistakes. I bet if you let your parents know that you’re not going into this blind, but rather taking a chance with awareness of the potential consequences, they’d be more open-minded and supportive. They’d be know you’re a mature adult making an aware decision.

Of course, I hope history doesn’t repeat itself and that there are no more tears to wipe away!