How to Tell Your Parents You Have a Boyfriend? 26 Important Tips to Follow

Archana Srinivasa Varadan
25 Min Read

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How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend? This thought will be a million-dollar question if you have a boyfriend. Especially if you have strict parents, chances are high that they might object to your relationship.

However, you may have to reveal your relationship status to your parents at some point. This revelation will help you remain at peace with yourself.

You might be a teenager in a relationship with your first boyfriend, or you might be older too. But, when you have to tell your parents, you must do it correctly to get the best results. We have a few suggestions which will give you an insight into how to tell your parents you have a boyfriend.

1. How to Tell Your Parents You Have a Boyfriend?

If you are in a serious relationship and are considering ways to make the big revelation to your overprotective parents, the tips below are certainly for you.

1.1. Decide to Whom You Want to Confess

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You might have that one parent to whom you may be very close. You might feel more comfortable talking to that parent for the first time about your boyfriend than the other parent.

It will also be a boost if you have one of them supporting you while you reveal it to the other. But it is best to tell both parents about your boyfriend, as both are important.

If you convey only to one parent, the other might feel omitted. You can avoid this scenario when you inform both of them. Don’t you consider this one among the many ways to answer the question: How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend?

1.2. Choose the Right Time

If your parents are working, they might have a heavy workload and come home late. They might be busy meeting their deadlines. Or, they might be occupied fully with household duties.

You are going to make a major revelation, hence timing matters. You cannot tell your parents about your boyfriend when they didn’t have a good day or when they are upset.

So, if you want to break the big news to your parents about your new boyfriend, do it at the right time. The appropriate time would be when you find them in a calm and good mood.

1.3. Choose the Appropriate Place

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You can choose an appropriate place to tell your parents about your boyfriend. You cannot tell them in the middle of the road or in other public places.

They might not respond well. They may also need enough time to process the revelation. So, talking to them about your new relationship when they are somewhere else will do you no good.

Choose an appropriate place, namely your house or any other place where you have maximum privacy. When you do so, you can freely pour your heart out to your parents and make them understand too.

1.4. Choose Your Wordings Wisely

Telling your parents you are seeing a guy is inevitable. While informing them, the best way is to do it politely.

Choose your wording wisely. You can even pen down what you are thinking. It will assist you in being coherent. You can also practice talking to yourself or the mirror, imagining it as your parents.

All these actions will enhance your confidence. You will have a high chance of explaining to your parents clearly and successfully.

1.5. Try Conveying through a Letter

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If you feel nervous about telling your mom or dad about your love life, you can think of other ways. So, how do you proceed next? You can pen down a letter to them.

Write down the complete particulars about your boyfriend in the letter. Mention his good qualities, what a good person he is, the bonding you both share and how much he means to you.

Don’t be afraid. Be honest and sincere. This letter will make your parents feel positive about your boyfriend. They will understand the seriousness and depth of your relationship. Who knows? You might even get a nod from them immediately to go ahead with your relationship.

Here, you have another lovely idea to answer the question of how to tell your parents you have a boyfriend.

1.6. Drop Subtle Hints

Instead of breaking the news about your boyfriend abruptly, start preparing them first. Tell your parents about that special friend you love spending time with.

When you are going to hang out with your friends, let your parents know that this special friend is also on the list. This mention will make your parents wonder if something is cooking between you and your special friend.

So, when you convey the big news, they will not be in for a shock. Indeed, another best idea to the question: How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend?

1.7. Let Your Parents Know You Are Ready to Date

You might be all grown up and ready to face the world, but you will always remain a small child in your parents’ eyes. Hence, let them know you are big enough to make your own decisions. Doing so will help you immensely.

You also have plans to start dating. It is best not to tell your parents you are dating just because others are doing the same.

Assure them that you are mature enough and ready for a relationship. Clear their doubts instead of keeping them in the dark. After all, they only wish the best for you.

1.8. Invite Your Boyfriend to Your House

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You can invite your guy to your house for lunch or dinner with your parents. Allow him to help you in arranging things for the event. Or, if you are studying, you can call him over for combined studies.

But make sure that you both stay within limits and don’t show romantic gestures in front of your parents. Introduce him to your mom and dad. Give them a chance to know him properly.

Allow them to observe his behavior so that they can judge him properly. They might even start to like him eventually. Keep your fingers crossed. This idea is a masterstroke, and you need not worry about how to tell your parents you have a boyfriend. Just try this out.

1.9. Convey Your Idea and See How They React

If your parents are familiar with your boyfriend as one of your friends in your friends’ circles, kudos. Your job is already half done. You can start a casual conversation with your parents about him and convey your idea of dating him.

See how it goes. Wait for your mom and dad to react. If everything goes your way, tell them you have already started dating. If the situation is otherwise, and your parents disapprove, don’t worry.

Listen to them. Hear them out. Understand their reason for not agreeing to your relationship. Later, think of other ways to work it out with your parents and get approval for your relationship. Here you go. Another brilliant plan for the question: How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend?

1.10. Text Them About Your Relationship

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If you reside away from your family and don’t meet your parents often, one way to convey your relationship is to text them.

Though this method is way informal, you can still try it. Type out all the details of your relationship while maintaining respect. Dedicate your time, and describe your relationship clearly.

Explain to your parents your decision. Avoid using message language or short forms. Since you are communicating through text, ensure you do it perfectly. So, when your parents read it, they can know your feelings and views.

1.11. Be Honest to Your Parents

Come out clean at the right time when you finally decide to confess to your parents about your guy. Don’t hide anything from them. Be completely honest.

Your parents might want to know every minute detail of your relationship. So, don’t feel irritated or angry thinking they are interfering too much. It is just that they care about you and want to ensure you have made the right decision.

It is best to stay calm and relaxed and answer all their queries honestly and confidently. If you do all these, it will let them know you are serious about your relationship.

1.12. Highlight His Good Qualities

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When you speak to your parents about your boyfriend, do it correctly. The way you portray your boyfriend to your parents matters. This moment is the first time your parents are about to know him, so, obviously, they will see your boyfriend through your eyes.

The way you talk about him is how they will understand him. So, highlight all his good qualities. Make them feel confident that yours is a good relationship and that your boyfriend is also a good guy.

Suppose your boyfriend may not have a high financial status, but he might be hardworking and honest. Highlight this quality of him to your parents.

This method is another fantastic solution to answer the question: How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend?

1.13. Take the Help of Your Friend

If you feel anxious about discussing the good characteristics of your boyfriend with your parents, you can ask for help from your friend.

Let your friend explain to your parents how good your boyfriend is and all his positive traits. Doing so will create a more good impression of your boyfriend to your parents. How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend? Give this method a try.

1.14. Bring Your Boyfriend to an Intimate Family Event

It might be your dad’s or mom’s birthday, and you would have planned to celebrate it intimately. You can have your boyfriend join you in the celebration. Doing so will make them wonder why you invited only him during a family event.

You can utilize this moment and introduce him as your boyfriend. Another better option is to simply inform your parents that he is a friend and will join the celebrations.

Once the celebrations are over and your parents are happily relaxing, you can slowly open up to them about your friend who has joined, and tell them the truth that he is your boyfriend. How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend? This method is another fantastic way to do it.

1.15. Invite Your Parents to Your Place

If you have already moved in with your boyfriend, you can tell your parents about your guy by asking them to visit your place.

Give them a warm welcome and make your parents feel comfortable. Avoid telling your parents as soon as they enter your house. Instead, prepare their favorite meal.

While eating together, slowly break the matter. Let your parents see the happy life you share with your boyfriend. Witnessing these will make your parents glad you found your soul mate.

How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend? Follow this pleasant idea.

1.16. Arrange for Both of Your Parents to Meet

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If your boyfriend’s parents are aware of your relationship and have already consented to it, then you can ask them to visit your parents.

When both your parents meet, they can have an open conversation. Your parents can share their perspectives or express concerns. Then both your parents can discuss and conclude.

Your boyfriend’s parents might make your parents see your point of view too. But, this plan will work better only if you are old enough and in a committed relationship for a long duration.

1.17. Avoid Arguments

You cannot expect your parents to always be on the same page with you. When you bring up the topic of your boyfriend, you might face objections from your parents.

Chances are high that they may not give in easily. They will explain their reservations and views. However, you don’t have to get all worked up and enter into an argument with them.

Arguing with your parents will only add fuel to the fire. It is best you stay calm and steady. Remain positive and put forward your points slowly and carefully.

If you fail to convince, give it a rest. Pursue the topic again after a reasonable interval. You can hope for the best. You will succeed. After all, waiting for approval from your mom and dad, even if it takes a few months, is not an issue.

1.18. Hear Them Out

You might find your parents overprotective when they disapprove of your boyfriend. You might perceive that they are still treating you as a kid.

However, that is not the case. Your parents are only concerned about you. Try thinking from their point of view. Hear their concerns and reasons.

Assure them you are in good hands. Ease their fear and make them feel at ease. Your parents are way more experienced when compared to you. Hence, listen to them and clear all the misunderstandings. Eventually, your parents only want to safeguard you.

1.19. Expect the Outcome to Be Anything

When you reveal your relationship to your parents, you cannot expect them to give the go-ahead immediately. The outcome may be anything. It may either be positive or negative.

Prepare yourself for anything. Respect the decision of your parents. Don’t rush into things. Wait patiently for the storm to subside. Then, you can bring up the topic again when your parents are in a better mood.

Slowly convey all the positives, and give time for them to weigh the ups and downs. Eventually, everything will fall into place.

1.20. Share Details of Your Boyfriend

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Share all the details of your boyfriend with your family. Tell them whether he is a private person or a friendly person. Give them details of his family.

You can also specify the job your boyfriend does if he is working. It is also vital you give the address where he stays. You can let your parents know about his family members too.

Most importantly, if someone in common, including a family friend or a neighbor who knows your boyfriend and his family, inform your parents first. Tell them about his close friends and other friends.

All these particulars will enhance your chances of getting approval from your parents for your relationship. Once you get the consent, nothing more is a big deal. Now, you have another brilliant plan in your kitty for the following question: How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend?

1.21. Be Prepared for Negotiations

Once your parents become aware of your relationship, they may set a few rules for you to adhere to with your boyfriend. These rules may include curfews, dating rules, and others.

If you are a student, your parents might ask you to finish your studies before proceeding with your relationship. Or, if you are a job seeker, they might want you to land a job before carrying on the relationship with your boyfriend.

Your parents might also suggest you hang out with your boyfriend on weekends. Their conditions may be anything. You must listen to them carefully. Then, slowly negotiate with them about the rules you can and cannot follow.

1.22. Thank Your Parents

Whether your parents consent to your relationship or deny it, you have to thank them for spending time listening to you. You have to make them aware that you appreciate their emotional support, love, and care for you.

Give them confidence that you are their upbringing and won’t do anything wrong. Assure them you will not choose the wrong path. Also, ensure that you keep up their good names and don’t let them down.

All these kind gestures of yours will slowly instill confidence in your parents. It will slowly bring them to your side.

1.23. Maintain Patience

You might have told your parents about your boyfriend and cleared their doubts about him satisfactorily. But hold on. This action does not guarantee that your parents may immediately accept him.

Maintain your patience. Your parents may still need time to know your boyfriend thoroughly. They might still have some reservations about him.

So, formally introduce him to your parents. Then, allow them to meet a few times and let them talk to each other. This way, you can see if both of them get along well and if your parents become fond of your boyfriend.

1.24. Identify Your Feelings

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You might postpone informing your parents about your boyfriend. This postponement may have some reasons. Identify it first. Are you scared that your dating news will not go down well with your mom and dad?

Or do you simply like to have your personal life under wraps? Or do you feel your parents will not agree to your relationship? Be it anything.

But first, figure out your feelings. This step is significant. After you figure out your feelings, you can use those points in your discussion with your parents.

1.25. How Can You Use the Points While Discussing?

The following will be a good example: Suppose there is a huge age difference between you and your boyfriend, and you are doubtful of your parents accepting it. For this reason, if you are hesitant to tell them, fret not. You could openly convey the same to them. Then, you can convince them and sort it out.

How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend? There are numerous ways to do it. Even the above method is a good one.

1.26. Never Hide Your Relationship

If you want your mom and dad to approve of your relationship, never hide it from them. Once you have entered into a relationship, tell your parents about it.

Things might go awry if a third person conveys them about your relationship. Your parents might think you did not inform them about your boyfriend since you were not confident about it. Or they might also assume you did not reveal to them since you felt that you were not doing the right thing.

So, tell your mom and dad about your boyfriend as soon as possible. Even if you don’t plan to introduce him to them shortly, just verbally communicate with them.

If you don’t tell them, their chances of finding out from a third person will increase.

2. FAQs

Should You Tell Both of Your Parents about Your Boyfriend Simultaneously?

You can tell them simultaneously. But it is best if you confess to one parent first. Suppose you are a daddy’s girl, go to him first. Once you have his support, you can tell your mother more confidently.

Is it Okay Not to Tell Your Parents You Are in a Relationship?

Do tell your parents without fail. You may take your time, but once you feel confident and comfortable opening up, go straight to them.

Bottom Line

It is always nice to have a good love life. If you are serious about your relationship and want to take it to the next level, you must introduce your boyfriend to your parents.

Making this major revelation is very much challenging. Once you are out with it, happier times await you. We have suggested the above ideas to overcome this challenge easily.

How to tell your parents you have a boyfriend? In the future, if you find someone asking you this question, do suggest they try the ideas you followed.

Last Updated on by Sathi

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Hello all! Archana here. I am an ECE graduate and started my professional career with Ashok Leyland as a trainee. Worked as a schematic designer for trucks, and buses. Then moved to Renault Nissan as an electrical engineer, and enjoyed designing schematics for cars such as Kwid, Kwid EV, Datsun Redi Go, and the latest Triber. Known for my hard work, and sincerity, had a great time working there for four and a half years. Took a break from my career in January 2020. Currently back on track again, but this time as a content writer by following my passion for writing. I also underwent a content writing course with Henry Harvin to hone my writing skills. Have a good command of the English language and can deliver good content according to the requirements. Reading books is my favorite hobby, and when I am not writing, you can find me enjoying a book.