Should I feel this way and what can I do to not affect my relationship with my bf?

Me and my bf have been dating for over 2 years. His family is very nice and is religious. They seem to like me. Me and my bf are 17 (him) and 18+ (me). About a couple weeks ago me and my bf were hanging out on my birthday. Once he got home he told me he was leaving for college and going 10 hours away. He knew I was upset and showed me a picture of a promise ring he got me for reassurance and his parents were also in about it. The next day he told me that his mom said some stuff like, I’m doing something very wrong by not supporting his decision, I’m not meeting (his parents) expectations, his mom is trying to like me, and they don’t see us long term. These things were very out of the blue and not sure why they were said. (It was mainly the mom feeling that way). He also told me that I’m not getting a promise ring and that his parents won’t let him give it to me just yet. Also, his parents didn’t know it was a promise ring and thought he was just trying to give me a personalized ring. So, over the last few days, I just got told my bf is going away to college over text and on my birthday, (we both want to do long distance), got false hope for a promise ring, and now his parents don’t really like me?? I was so upset and talked to my bf about it and he gave me reassurance his feelings were not gonna change and etc. He told me he talked to his dad about everything (his dad was gone for a few days while all this was happening) and he said things seem way better than it looks out to be and a lot was a misunderstanding. After a few more days I finally went over to my bfs house to have a sit down talk with his parents and him. First off, my bf apologized again for how I found out about him going away and everything. His parents said stuff like there was some confidential stuff said to me and blah blah blah. They said they don’t want me to think that they don’t like me, and said it’s up to us about long distance, they support us, and gave us advice about long distance and how to make it work. The talk went better than expected and things weren’t as bad as it seemed. But, I am still hurt by some of the things the mom said and I want them to really like me. I don’t want to take it out on my bf because he treats me really good for the most part and gave me so much love and reassurance during all this. I do feel like I got so much false hope about the ring and how his parents feel about me. Since my bf is a minor they do have control over our relationship and what my bf does. That’s why he’s not able to give me a ring and etc. I don’t like how his parents are in control of our relationship and I’m not sure how to feel about it.
Asked by Kat
Answered
10/21/2022

Hello Kat,

When it comes to our feelings there is no right or wrong way to feel. Our feelings and emotions are a part of our experiences. It is important to consider how we are feeling as well as what is causing us to feel a specific way. It may be helpful although can be hard at times to acknowledge our feelings and validate our own process. 

If you and your boyfriend had not talked about where he had applied for college or where he was considering applying, it's understandable that you are surprised and feel upset. It might be helpful to know and consider what specifically your boyfriend shared with his mom regarding how you responded to the news. 

As a parent his mother probably knew about his college choice and that supporting her son through this next stage in his education as her priority. 

In regards to the promise ring, it sounds like your boyfriend also did not specifically communicate to his parents the intent behind that and his parents may be worried about the seriousness of a promise ring. It also sounds like your boyfriend had been communicating clearly about his feelings for you and his intention to make the relationship work. 

It does make sense that the parents shared their feelings around what was happening with their son and it sounds like from what they explained to you they do like you, are supportive of the two of you and and also never intended to hurt your feelings. 

The limits and boundaries that his parents put in place makes sense given that he is a minor. Since your boyfriend has been raised in a religious home and given that his parents support him financially, it is likely that he also has to follow their guidance. He is also communicating to you that it is likely he will follow his parents expectations. You may want to consider what that means for you and how the two of you want to navigate this relationship regarding the long distance as well as the physical aspect of your relationship. 

Be gentle with yourself as it is a lot to consider and process. 

Eva