My family questions my reasons for becoming Catholic

[Lor91]

Hello everyone!

I am in dire need of prayer and advice! For the past year I have been learning about the Catholic faith and have made the decision to become Catholic. My family is Protestant and they are against this decision and think I’m going down the wrong path. Besides the fact that they disagree with Church teaching on saints, praying to Mary, etc., they are questioning my reasons for making this decision.

When I still believed in Protestantism, I met a guy who was Catholic. We became really good friends and I wanted to learn more about his faith because (here it is), I was falling in love with him. As I read and learned, I basically learned that the Catholic church is the TRUE church founded by Jesus Christ. It didn’t end up working out between this guy and I, but we are still really good friends. Even though this relationship didn’t work out, my passion for the Catholic Church has not vanished. But, explaining this to my family is difficult. They believe that I’m doing this for a boy. I have told them numerous times that this isn’t the reason until I’m blue in the face.

I’m not sure what else I can do to try and convince them. I don’t want to end my friendship with him in order to prove something to my parents because he has introduced me to other Catholic people who I’ve made as friends and has really helped me in this journey. I care about him a lot as a friend now. I wish that I hadn’t discovered Catholicism by falling in love with this guy. I wish that it had been on my own. But, it just happened that way for some reason. I will accept whatever suffering that comes my way because I know that that is part of following Christ. I am not going to budge from my decision. I just would really appreciate prayer and any advice that could be provided. I’m a college student on top of all of this and also focusing on school and graduating. Things are quite stressful!

Has anyone gone through a similar experience and could offer some advice? Thanks so much! God Bless!

 

[jmcrae]

Hello everyone!

I am in dire need of prayer and advice! For the past year I have been learning about the Catholic faith and have made the decision to become Catholic. My family is Protestant and they are against this decision and think I’m going down the wrong path. Besides the fact that they disagree with Church teaching on saints, praying to Mary, etc., they are questioning my reasons for making this decision.

When I still believed in Protestantism, I met a guy who was Catholic. We became really good friends and I wanted to learn more about his faith because (here it is), I was falling in love with him. As I read and learned, I basically learned that the Catholic church is the TRUE church founded by Jesus Christ. It didn’t end up working out between this guy and I, but we are still really good friends. Even though this relationship didn’t work out, my passion for the Catholic Church has not vanished. But, explaining this to my family is difficult. They believe that I’m doing this for a boy. I have told them numerous times that this isn’t the reason until I’m blue in the face.

I’m not sure what else I can do to try and convince them. I don’t want to end my friendship with him in order to prove something to my parents because he has introduced me to other Catholic people who I’ve made as friends and has really helped me in this journey. I care about him a lot as a friend now. I wish that I hadn’t discovered Catholicism by falling in love with this guy. I wish that it had been on my own. But, it just happened that way for some reason. I will accept whatever suffering that comes my way because I know that that is part of following Christ. I am not going to budge from my decision. I just would really appreciate prayer and any advice that could be provided. I’m a college student on top of all of this and also focusing on school and graduating. Things are quite stressful!

Has anyone gone through a similar experience and could offer some advice? Thanks so much! God Bless!

You are an adult. You are in college, and presumably you have left the family home to live on your own.

Therefore, although certainly you should listen with respect to what your parents think, they can’t actually prevent you from becoming Catholic. This is your decision to make.

Furthermore, when you join the RCIA process to become Catholic, it’s not going to happen overnight. You can tell your parents that you are entering a discernment process to see whether you are a good fit for the Catholic Church. Make it clear to them that nothing is set in stone. You are still learning and discerning. You still have to be accepted by the Church.

This will also give you time to explain to them what is attracting you to the Church, and what your friend showed you.

 

[NFPWife]

I converted during my Junior year of undergrad. My story is a bit similar in that I fell in love with a boy and that caused me to check out Catholicism and led to the same conclusion that it’s the one true faith. We differ in that it worked out with my “boy” and my parents were not discouraging. Plenty of others were, though.

I suggest a three tier approach to this: explain what you find attractive about the faith, address/ answer concerns or misconceptions they might have, then thank them for their concern and assert that the decision is yours to make and it has been made. That won’t typically happen in one conversation; that’s the process you want to move through, though.

I’d recommend that you become well versed in answering the typical “Why do Catholics do that?” questions. Intercessory prayer, for instance, is similar to asking a friend to pray for us except the friend is in Heaven and close to God. A few times the person challenging me on this had just recently sent out a prayer request in one form or another. That made it really easy to make the point that if we ask our earthly friends to intercede why not our heavenly ones?? Of course, we always have to be clear that God answers the prayer, not the saint. The saint is praying with us.

Also, with the typical “Why do Catholics do that?” questions, try to ground your answer in Scripture using a King James Bible.

If you’re not feeling secure in your apologetics, practice and role play with your Catholic friends. Maybe a Theology on Tap night on apologetics would help, in addition to being a lot of fun

If the challenge is just that they think you’re being a flighty girl chasing after a boy, once you’ve explained you’re not, don’t engage. Your seriousness will show in the way you live your faith. If they’re being disrespectful or belittling you, calmly ask them to stop and move on. It may take years before they accept or respect your decision… or they may never respect your decision. As you become more differentiated as an adult, this likely won’t be the last decision they don’t support. Consider this an opportunity to start forming and establishing new boundaries and roles with them.

 

[1ke]

What I suggest you work on is your need to justify this to anyone. This is only the first of many decisions you will make as an adult that others (family, friends, etc) will disagree with.

So, focus on learning how to be OK with that and to not feel the need to explain, justify, or defend your decisions.

 

[Boswell]

What I suggest you work on is your need to justify this to anyone. This is only the first of many decisions you will make as an adult that others (family, friends, etc) will disagree with.

So, focus on learning how to be OK with that and to not feel the need to explain, justify, or defend your decisions.

 

[IBombAtomically]

Deep inside, they may realize you’re not doing it for the sake of this boy, but sometimes it is easier to tell themselves that, because the alternative is that your heart has truly embraced Catholicism and the Church has some valid points worth considering.

Many of my Protestant loved ones believe (wrongly) that choosing our Church means severing a direct relationship with Jesus, and replacing it with loyalty to men (i.e. the Pope) and rituals. Let them know --better yet, let them see-- that your devotion to Christ has not gone anywhere, and that in fact it has been strengthened. Don’t intentionally put on a show, but don’t hide your light either, and you may have to spell that out for them depending on how hard they press you.

Don’t go looking for arguments, but if they bring up, for example, that you “worship” Mary, you can always cheerfully say “See, that’s what I used to think, too, but it turns out Catholics don’t worship Mary, they honor her because…” then give the Bible verses that support that idea. It is a good way to help you learn more about the Faith, and to help them understand where you are coming from. You are in a great position because you understand where they are coming from, and you have a great opportunity to meet them where they are, then gently lead them through to your own understanding.

God bless, and I’m so glad you are here! Welcome!!

 

[kmuestwin]

Two rules that will give you a better life: Never complain and never explain. It’s nobody’s business what you do. Don’t explain anymore. Just direct conversations away from your personal spirituality.

 

[Lor91]

Thank you everyone for the encouraging words and advice! It is greatly appreciated!

If the challenge is just that they think you’re being a flighty girl chasing after a boy, once you’ve explained you’re not, don’t engage. Your seriousness will show in the way you live your faith.

Let them know --better yet, let them see-- that your devotion to Christ has not gone anywhere, and that in fact it has been strengthened.

My parents know that I’m serious, but they note that I look miserable most of the time. If I do look “miserable” it comes from worrying about the future and not knowing what to expect. Not just about Catholicism, but EVERYTHING in life right now. Ha,ha. Like school, getting a job, living on my own, etc. I have told them this, but they don’t think I’m telling the truth. They think that my new found Catholic beliefs are making me miserable. My Mother commented that “if this is what Catholicism looks like, I don’t want any part of it.” They think that being serious about Jesus should result in constant joy. I’m joyful about becoming Catholic, but my parents don’t see that very often because it usually appears when they are not around. I appear happier when I’m by myself at Mass or with Catholic friends. Whenever the subject of Catholicism comes up in conversation, I get very tense and expect an argument or negative comment which sometimes happens. So, it is partly my fault and I guess I’m not doing a spectacular job of showing them if I look miserable. I need to work on that.

God bless, and I’m so glad you are here! Welcome!!

I’m glad I’m here, too!

 

[acadiANNA]

Sometimes there is nothing you can do or say to have others accept your decision to follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. They have their opinions about it, but most of that is based on little knowledge of anything Catholic. It does place a strain on families when they cannot be supportive. Continue studying the faith. The Holy Spirit will guide you. You have been blessed to have the desire to know the truth about God and the Church that His Only Son, Jesus Christ, gave us. I will pray for you during the journey, that you will have peace with your decision. Look straight ahead. Do not be discouraged. Listen to the one voice in your heart that is leading you to live in the light of Christ. He loves you so much!

 

[Cricket2]

My family questioned me. I was not raised in any particular faith or within a family that even believed in God. They primarily wondered how I ever had the idea in the first place and my dad insisted that “someone had to have brain washed me.” Thing is I became interested in the Catholic Faith after a near death experience at the age of 4.

Over the years many family members considered me a fanatic, nuts, and guilty of some horrible crime or sin since I “needed the Church.” According to them there just had to be some dark hidden secret I was trying to amend for by becoming a Catholic. It took years before some family members let it go. One was my grandmother, who was just ruthless.

But after 25 years or so, and just weeks before her death she asked to be baptized as a Catholic. So don’t get dismayed or discouraged. Your conversion may hold more purpose than anyone in your family can imagine. Now for a final thought: I knew a man that was in love with me. He even said he would become a Catholic if I married him. I told him that was not possible.

I told him the only reason anyone should be a Catholic is because they believed in God and what the Church taught. I further explained that our faith is far too demanding to become a Catholic for any other motive. I advised him that he would be very unhappy and miserable if he became Catholic just to get me to marry him. Maybe this is something you should tell your family.

Becoming a Catholic can only be motivated out of a true love for the Faith and God. Any other motivation would not be supportive enough for the challenges presented by truly following your chosen Faith. Good luck and peace to you.

 

[Joe_5859]

I know many a conversion story that begins with a pretty (or handsome) face.

God uses what He can to establish that trust – that curiosity in the Catholic faith. But, of course as you well know, authentic conversion cannot be sustained by such things. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.

What I suggest you work on is your need to justify this to anyone. This is only the first of many decisions you will make as an adult that others (family, friends, etc) will disagree with.

So, focus on learning how to be OK with that and to not feel the need to explain, justify, or defend your decisions.

This is good advice. Don’t feel the need to explain it till you are blue in the face. You said your piece. It’s their decision whether or not to believe you. You cannot force them to see it from your perspective. If anything, trying to convince them over and over will only increase the likelihood that they will not believe you. They may just fall back on the maxim that “the lady doth protest too much.”

I know you are in a very transitory period in your life (as college often is). That certainly brings with it its own stresses, challenges, and uncertainties. Do your best to keep your eyes fixed on the Lord and be a woman of peace. That can be hard when our life is in turmoil, but all things are possible with the Lord. Seeing a sustained sense of peace in you over time is the only thing that is going to convince your parents (or anyone else) that you aren’t just going through some phase because of some boy.

I will say a prayer for you!

 

[Lor91]

Thank you everyone for such great advice! I’m so thankful that there are resources like this to help me. I will take into account what everyone said. Any other advice you could offer would be great! Ha,ha.

 

[JRKH]

Hello everyone!

I am in dire need of prayer and advice! For the past year I have been learning about the Catholic faith and have made the decision to become Catholic. My family is Protestant and they are against this decision and think I’m going down the wrong path. Besides the fact that they disagree with Church teaching on saints, praying to Mary, etc., they are questioning my reasons for making this decision.

When I still believed in Protestantism, I met a guy who was Catholic. We became really good friends and I wanted to learn more about his faith because (here it is), I was falling in love with him. As I read and learned, I basically learned that the Catholic church is the TRUE church founded by Jesus Christ. It didn’t end up working out between this guy and I, but we are still really good friends. Even though this relationship didn’t work out, my passion for the Catholic Church has not vanished. But, explaining this to my family is difficult. They believe that I’m doing this for a boy. I have told them numerous times that this isn’t the reason until I’m blue in the face.

I’m not sure what else I can do to try and convince them. I don’t want to end my friendship with him in order to prove something to my parents because he has introduced me to other Catholic people who I’ve made as friends and has really helped me in this journey. I care about him a lot as a friend now. I wish that I hadn’t discovered Catholicism by falling in love with this guy. I wish that it had been on my own. But, it just happened that way for some reason. I will accept whatever suffering that comes my way because I know that that is part of following Christ. I am not going to budge from my decision. I just would really appreciate prayer and any advice that could be provided. I’m a college student on top of all of this and also focusing on school and graduating. Things are quite stressful!

Has anyone gone through a similar experience and could offer some advice? Thanks so much! God Bless!

Just a couple of quick thoughts.

1. Praise God that they are questioning you and your motives. It provides the opportunity to patiently explain.
2. tell them you ARE doing it for a “boy”, His name is Jesus Christ.

Dealing with family can be tricky. On the one hand they are genuinely convinced that they are trying to do what is best for you. On the other hand…you genuinely do not need this right now.

Perhaps one approach that might help is to divert the discussion. Instead of discussing the reasons for the conversion, ask them what they think of you as a person…
Do they think you are bright?
Do they think you are reasonable?
Do they think you go off on wild tangents?
Do they think you jump into things without due consideration?

If they express that they think you are a good, reasonable, bright, thoughtful person…then you can suggest to them that they should trust you in this matter. That you have looked into it, prayed over it, discussed it, weighed it, tested it, etc. and that this is the direction the Lord is calling you.

If they don’t think you are bright and reasonable etc…well then I guess there is no use in further discussion with them…

Peace
James

 

[Kal2012]

Also remind your family that college is hard work. Going into your senior year, there are a lot of expectations. People seem to forget that amazing feeling that comes once midterms and finals are over.

College is a transitional time and inherent in that is uncertainty.

You’d be stupid not to worry about the future given that a lot of recent undergrads aren’t doing well economically and you need to be realistic about your near-term prospects.

A lot of times, protestants want to see that “glow” that comes with knowing Jesus. However, a lot of that is based on emotion, not a deep relationship with Christ.

I’m a convert too and my husband (who’s Catholic) will always ask how was church and I can’t say it was “great” because I am always humbled by the experience of going to Mass. I don’t feel “energized” or “on fire” for Christ after leaving church. I feel awed and spiritually fed. I feel challenged to be a better Christian.

I really don’t know how to explain the difference to most Protestants because they are night and day different experiences, depending on which Protestant denomination you are talking about.

Catholicism feeds you spiritually, physically, and intellectually. So, it’s hard to buy into the mythology of the happy Christian (which is sounds like your mom subscribes to).

Be patient with your parents. Pray for them.

Stop trying to convince them of anything. Just love them and explain that this is part of your spiritual journey and that you’d love it if they wanted to attend mass with you. However, you will understand if they choose not to attend. Be the adult.

It sounds like there might be some “passive-aggressive” stuff going on as well. Don’t bite. Learn to use the phrase, “let’s just agree to disagree” or change the topic.

Also, everyone has people who guide them on their spiritual journey. It was a bus ministry that led me to the church where I was baptized. It was through a guy that I looked into Judaism. It was through the man I married that I became a Catholic. Seeing his friends and how they lived their lives made me want what they had. However, it was a process.

Make a huge deal out of how your journey into Catholicism is deepening your relationship with Jesus. Everyone is ultimately responsible for their own salvation. Parents can only do so much to put kids on the right path. Young adults will decide for themselves what is true and what’s not after a certain point. It’s part of growing up. (Help your parents see that.)

Good luck!

 

[NFPWife]

…

A lot of times, protestants want to see that “glow” that comes with knowing Jesus. However, a lot of that is based on emotion, not a deep relationship with Christ.

…

I really don’t know how to explain the difference to most Protestants because they are night and day different experiences, depending on which Protestant denomination you are talking about.
…

Great point! I have Protestant friends who leave church “hyped;” I’ve watched a couple of their services online and found it to be akin to a motivational seminar with a little talk of Jesus. It’s very different than a Catholic Mass. Even a charismatic one

Lor91, I can default (devolve? ) into getting a little ornery and instigating in situations like the one you describe with your mother saying she doesn’t see your joy. If I were in that situation, and she persisted with those comments AFTER my explaining about my personal relationship with Jesus and that the worship experiences are different I might start saying things like, “Sunshine doesn’t start shining out of my tush until after Confirmation.” or “I’m becoming Catholic, not Rastafarian.” or “We get our halos and angelic glows at our next RCIA class.” In other words, if I perceived her to be needling, I’d give it back. If she was having a bad day and seemed grouchy I’d say, “You’re looking ill-tempered, I think your Protestantism is slipping.”

I’d give as good as I got in a fun, lighthearted way until she stopped the nonsense. YMMV, only you know your family dynamics and if that would work in your household.

 

[Lor91]

Just a couple of quick thoughts.

1. Praise God that they are questioning you and your motives. It provides the opportunity to patiently explain.
2. tell them you ARE doing it for a “boy”, His name is Jesus Christ.

Dealing with family can be tricky. On the one hand they are genuinely convinced that they are trying to do what is best for you. On the other hand…you genuinely do not need this right now.

Perhaps one approach that might help is to divert the discussion. Instead of discussing the reasons for the conversion, ask them what they think of you as a person…
Do they think you are bright?
Do they think you are reasonable?
Do they think you go off on wild tangents?
Do they think you jump into things without due consideration?

If they express that they think you are a good, reasonable, bright, thoughtful person…then you can suggest to them that they should trust you in this matter. That you have looked into it, prayed over it, discussed it, weighed it, tested it, etc. and that this is the direction the Lord is calling you.

If they don’t think you are bright and reasonable etc…well then I guess there is no use in further discussion with them…

Peace
James

Thanks for the tip! I think they would answer “yes” to all of those. However, they have pointed out that I have a history of being attracted to people and things that are different. I’m sort of hipster-ish and don’t like mainstream things. So, they see this as another thing I’m doing to make myself stand out from others. I guess I do want to stand out as much as possible when it comes to Jesus! But, they don’t see it that way. They have pointed out that Catholicism appeals to me because of the liturgy, tradition, rituals, etc. They get why I want a traditional faith and understand why I’m tired of the “pump up the music” services. They want me to look into Lutheranism or even Orthodoxy instead. Ha,ha. ANYTHING but Catholicism! My brother is becoming a Universalist and they haven’t questioned his transition nearly as much as the one I’m making. But, I don’t want to blame shift or point fingers at anyone. That would be immature. They said Catholicism looks romantic on the surface, but underneath it is not so great. I guess in their own faith journeys, they have encountered Catholics who don’t understand their Faith and left the Church as a result. So, I think the information they have received over the years about Catholicism is pretty unreliable. I hope that I can show them they are wrong through how I live my beliefs.

 

[Lor91]

Also remind your family that college is hard work. Going into your senior year, there are a lot of expectations. People seem to forget that amazing feeling that comes once midterms and finals are over.

College is a transitional time and inherent in that is uncertainty.

You’d be stupid not to worry about the future given that a lot of recent undergrads aren’t doing well economically and you need to be realistic about your near-term prospects.

A lot of times, protestants want to see that “glow” that comes with knowing Jesus. However, a lot of that is based on emotion, not a deep relationship with Christ.

I’m a convert too and my husband (who’s Catholic) will always ask how was church and I can’t say it was “great” because I am always humbled by the experience of going to Mass. I don’t feel “energized” or “on fire” for Christ after leaving church. I feel awed and spiritually fed. I feel challenged to be a better Christian.

I really don’t know how to explain the difference to most Protestants because they are night and day different experiences, depending on which Protestant denomination you are talking about.

Catholicism feeds you spiritually, physically, and intellectually. So, it’s hard to buy into the mythology of the happy Christian (which is sounds like your mom subscribes to).

Be patient with your parents. Pray for them.

Stop trying to convince them of anything. Just love them and explain that this is part of your spiritual journey and that you’d love it if they wanted to attend mass with you. However, you will understand if they choose not to attend. Be the adult.

It sounds like there might be some “passive-aggressive” stuff going on as well. Don’t bite. Learn to use the phrase, “let’s just agree to disagree” or change the topic.

Also, everyone has people who guide them on their spiritual journey. It was a bus ministry that led me to the church where I was baptized. It was through a guy that I looked into Judaism. It was through the man I married that I became a Catholic. Seeing his friends and how they lived their lives made me want what they had. However, it was a process.

Make a huge deal out of how your journey into Catholicism is deepening your relationship with Jesus. Everyone is ultimately responsible for their own salvation. Parents can only do so much to put kids on the right path. Young adults will decide for themselves what is true and what’s not after a certain point. It’s part of growing up. (Help your parents see that.)

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice! This was really helpful!

 

[Lor91]

Great point! I have Protestant friends who leave church “hyped;” I’ve watched a couple of their services online and found it to be akin to a motivational seminar with a little talk of Jesus. It’s very different than a Catholic Mass. Even a charismatic one

Lor91, I can default (devolve? ) into getting a little ornery and instigating in situations like the one you describe with your mother saying she doesn’t see your joy. If I were in that situation, and she persisted with those comments AFTER my explaining about my personal relationship with Jesus and that the worship experiences are different I might start saying things like, “Sunshine doesn’t start shining out of my tush until after Confirmation.” or “I’m becoming Catholic, not Rastafarian.” or “We get our halos and angelic glows at our next RCIA class.” In other words, if I perceived her to be needling, I’d give it back. If she was having a bad day and seemed grouchy I’d say, “You’re looking ill-tempered, I think your Protestantism is slipping.”

I’d give as good as I got in a fun, lighthearted way until she stopped the nonsense. YMMV, only you know your family dynamics and if that would work in your household.

Ha,ha! I wish I could do that! The dynamic in my household is usually light, but not with this issue, unfortunately. Hopefully, later on down the road we can poke fun at each other more often.

 

[JRKH]

Thanks for the tip! I think they would answer “yes” to all of those. However, they have pointed out that I have a history of being attracted to people and things that are different. I’m sort of hipster-ish and don’t like mainstream things. So, they see this as another thing I’m doing to make myself stand out from others. I guess I do want to stand out as much as possible when it comes to Jesus! But, they don’t see it that way. They have pointed out that Catholicism appeals to me because of the liturgy, tradition, rituals, etc. They get why I want a traditional faith and understand why I’m tired of the “pump up the music” services. They want me to look into Lutheranism or even Orthodoxy instead. Ha,ha.** ANYTHING but Catholicism!** My brother is becoming a Universalist and they haven’t questioned his transition nearly as much as the one I’m making. But, I don’t want to blame shift or point fingers at anyone. That would be immature. They said Catholicism looks romantic on the surface, but underneath it is not so great. I guess in their own faith journeys, they have encountered Catholics who don’t understand their Faith and left the Church as a result. So, I think the information they have received over the years about Catholicism is pretty unreliable. I hope that I can show them they are wrong through how I live my beliefs.

Bolded the one part above…it is interesting how some protestants will be this way…jump around to any sort of protestant church / belief system - even ones that are nearly Catholic in their beliefs and practices and their fine. Jump to Rome and it’s like AAARRRGGHHH…You did WWHHHAAATTTT.

I do agree though that you don’t want to point fingers and such. The main reason that I suggested the approach (or something similar) is that it might cause them to stop for a minute and think…Think about how they are maybe not treating you like a Christian adult who would not do anything to jeopardize her salvation…
Granted it’s one of those things that can sometimes come up in the wrong way…Like you get frustrated and say, “just how stupid do you think I am???”
I wouldn’t suggest that wording, but sometimes that principle can be there…I mean you can be feeling like that without it ever being said.

Anyway = Glad our feedback is being of help.

Peace
James

 

[Lor91]

Bolded the one part above…it is interesting how some protestants will be this way…jump around to any sort of protestant church / belief system - even ones that are nearly Catholic in their beliefs and practices and their fine. Jump to Rome and it’s like AAARRRGGHHH…You did WWHHHAAATTTT.

I do agree though that you don’t want to point fingers and such. The main reason that I suggested the approach (or something similar) is that it might cause them to stop for a minute and think…Think about how they are maybe not treating you like a Christian adult who would not do anything to jeopardize her salvation…
Granted it’s one of those things that can sometimes come up in the wrong way…Like you get frustrated and say, “just how stupid do you think I am???”
I wouldn’t suggest that wording, but sometimes that principle can be there…I mean you can be feeling like that without it ever being said.

Anyway = Glad our feedback is being of help.

Peace
James

Yes, the feedback is being a huge help! Thanks so much! I need to work on my end of not being defensive and to stop trying to convince/justify as others have stated. I like the approach that you suggested. I am trying to think of a way to stop trying to justify when they question my decision. My parents, my mother in particular, do not let things go very easily. If I were to say, “I’m not going to justify my decision to you anymore. I have already said my reasons. You need to trust me”…she would want to draw out the discussion further because it is the wrong decision to her. I’m not sure what to do in those cases other than to just not say anything and let the conversation die when she wants to continue the information pumping session (as I like to think of it in my head ). Side Note: I still live at home and commute to school everyday. So, I can’t just hang up the phone or get in a car and drive back to campus when these discussions present themselves. I have to stay and deal with it.

Everyone’s advice has been super helpful! I really do appreciate the encouraging words.