Rejections - How to tell my parents?

@coolcats998 , can you ask your parents if you can talk to them about something that’s really important to you? You can tell them that you love it that they have so much confidence in you. You can also tell them that it makes you feel that if you don’t live up to their image of your brilliance that you’re letting them down, going to make them angry, make them love you less - whatever it is you feel.

Tell them that three programs you applied to had an acceptance rate of x% and you were not in that group. Tell them what you’re feeling about that, what you’re considering (other programs), and that you would really just like to vacation with them.

It’s unlikely that their belief in you was meant to translate into your feeling left out of the family because of the vacation.

Try to frame as much of this as “i feel” statements rather than “you are”. Your goal is to be heard by them and ultimately to have a better relationship as a result, not to fight with them.

Really, nothing worse could happen than has already, so while it takes courage to have the conversation, your risk is low.

Fwiw, although I am an older adult now, I had a very difficult mother and fully appreciate the dread you are feeling. I’m wishing the best for you.

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