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I'm in my late 20s and haven't dated in several years. I have a social life and all, but I'm just not interested in being tied down with a relationship. I like being single and the freedom that that entails.
Yes, one day I will probably settle down and start a family, but not now. Anyway, when I visit my parents (generally on a weekly basis), they will not shut up about me dating. They frequently tell me stuff like "won't you be lonely when we die and your siblings have their own relationships?" Tonight they bought me an eHarmony subscription without me asking for it. I told them I wasn't interested and the response was "why not?"
I know they are concerned and all, but I've told them several times that I am happy living alone and not dating at the moment. They just don't understand that it is possible to be happy without being in a relationship.
What should I do about pushy, controlling parents like this? I know they mean well, but I am going to live my life how I want. Why can't they get that? It makes me want to pull my hair out!!!
I'm in my late 20s and haven't dated in several years. I have a social life and all, but I'm just not interested in being tied down with a relationship. I like being single and the freedom that that entails.
Yes, one day I will probably settle down and start a family, but not now. Anyway, when I visit my parents (generally on a weekly basis), they will not shut up about me dating. They frequently tell me stuff like "won't you be lonely when we die and your siblings have their own relationships?" Tonight they bought me an eHarmony subscription without me asking for it. I told them I wasn't interested and the response was "why not?"
I know they are concerned and all, but I've told them several times that I am happy living alone and not dating at the moment. They just don't understand that it is possible to be happy without being in a relationship.
What should I do about pushy, controlling parents like this? I know they mean well, but I am going to live my life how I want. Why can't they get that? It makes me want to pull my hair out!!!
How awful. First and foremost you should start limiting your time with them. Visit and call less. If they ask why, tell them point blank you're tired of them meddling in your life and it's going to stop. I had to do that with my mother, for many more reasons than just that. Sometimes tough love is just appropriate.
They're just care enough to be concerned is all. It seems to be my father's favorite conversation starter these days too. ("so, how's the love life? I'd sure like to see you settle down with a nice girl...")
Just tell them you appreciate their concern but need to relax a little.
We faced a similar issue when we got married about when we were having kids. Hubby flat out told his parents that this was our decision and that we would not speak to them about it. If they brought it up, we would stop speaking with them at all. Simple and clear and unambiguous.
Set boundaries from your end as much as possible. Of course, it is easier said than done. I think limiting contact with them on purpose is probably your best bet to avoid them from hounding you about dating. I would delay calling them back and so on if they continue to bother you about this topic over and over. I would try to change the subject if they keep bringing this topic up in conversation.
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