Hi Tara

It’s good to hear that you got out of an abusive relationship!

As for your parents, I think that your instincts are correct about the controlling behaviour regarding your location and who you go out with.

Working two jobs and studying, you sound like a responsible young adult. For both of these reasons, you deserve your freedom. It does seem like they are struggling to see you as the adult that you are.

I understand what it is like to lie to parents when they are unsupportive and judgemental of who you are spending time with. I would imagine that you were trying to avoid that reaction? It doesn’t sound like you meant to hurt any feelings.

I think it matters that you were honest when the situation was discussed.

How are you holding up with the stonewalling? This too is a form of abuse. It’s not great that they tried to gaslight and blame you either. The whole situation seems verbally abusive and  (I’m not a fan of this word) toxic.

I think you are a very capable of making this decision yourself. So I wonder, what would your ideal resolution to this issue look like?

On a happier note, how are things with this new man?