I DREAD TELLING PARENTS ABOUT SPLIT

Dear Coleen

I’m a woman in my 20s and have recently ended things with my boyfriend of three years. It was the right decision and I have no regrets, but my parents will be devastated as they love him and have made him part of our family.

I’ve been putting off telling them because I know they’ll try to change my mind.

They’d planned for him to stay with us over Christmas and they treat him like a son.

He is a fantastic person, but I’m not in love with him any more and I want more from a relationship than friendship – my mind is made up.

He’s upset about it, but understands and says it’ll just take him time to get over it.

How can I handle my parents?

Coleen says

You have to just bite the bullet and tell them. They’ll be shocked as they sound very fond of him, but they’ll get over it.

I’ve said many times that break-ups can hit family members hard too. Parents often grow close to their children’s partners and become part of the family. But you can’t stay with someone just to keep your parents happy.

However much I loved my child’s partner, their happiness would come first.

I’m sure that once they’re over the shock your parents will understand and move on.