How can I live the way I want to without disappointing my parents?
17 Answers
Last Updated: 02/05/2018 at 6:02pm
Moderated by
Elaine Kish, LMSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
My goal is to treat clients with respect and compassion. I am a supportive, strengths-based therapist with experience in treating mood disorders, grief, and trauma.
Top Rated Answers
There's no way that parents will ever be satisfied with what their children do. I think you should live the way you want, be the best person you want to be and prove your parents that there's nothing to be disappointed in
Honestly, sometimes you just can't. You are your number one priority, and if you live the way you want, they will respect you. If not, then they aren't fit to be parents. :)
Anonymous
March 21st, 2016 1:55pm
I think the only way to do that would be for them to accept who you are and what you want to do. Get them to understand you and I'm sure you won't disappoint them
Anonymous
February 5th, 2018 6:02pm
If your parent genuinely cares for you and wants what best for you, then they will allow you to live life the way you choose. That is of course, after you move out and are able to support yourself. It's understandable to not want to disappoint your parents, but if something makes you happy, who are they to take that happiness from you or criticize you? More often than not they turn out to be supportive for your well being.
There's a tough balance between living your life and living the life your parents want for you. When all is said and done, all your parents want is for you to be happy. Have a talk to your parents about your mental health and the balance between work and play.
It's hard to live the way we want without disappointing anyone, we all have different ideas of what the best for ourselves or for others is. So try living they way you want, but also achieving certain things that your parents and you agree on. I guess at the end what our parents want is to see us happy, and if you're living the way you wanted to, you'll probably be happy.
Your parents are supposed to be there for you,and support you no matter what. If living the way that makes them proud makes you unhappy, you shouldn't live like that. You should make yourself happy and if they can't accept the real you, then they shouldn't try to tell you how to live.
Anonymous
October 11th, 2016 12:07pm
As long as you are trying hard in school and you are staying out of trouble, you will never disappoint them. They will always be proud of you.
In order to live a life of integration, you need to chose a course that suits you. To live your life 'as if", to make your parents happy, will gnaw at your soul and cause regret for you later in life
First you should try to set your parents expectations low. Tell them you are only human and cant exactly do everything they want.
Secondly, you should always feel proud of yourself, even if you fail your parents love you and will never be truly disappointed.
Thirdly and finally you should come to terms that you will neer be perfect and from time to time you may fail and hence disappoint your parents but be assured you'll always come back up and no matter what they love you.
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2016 6:39am
I understand you are trying to make up everything your parents did. But sometimes you have to do what you like even if it disappoints them because it's your life.
showing them from the begining that what i want is not what they wants, if they dont aceppt i will need to live like that...
Anonymous
September 29th, 2015 10:51am
Hey there! Perhaps you should have an honest talk with your parents about their expectations of you, and what you want to do with your life. Remember, this is your life, not your parents.
All parents have dreams for their children. They see them as following a certain life path or choosing a particular profession. And it is okay for them to dream. But it for us to do what makes us happy. I believe that the best way to live a life that you want without being a disappointment is to make sure you are open and honest with your parents. let them know that you are truly happy with your decisions and once they know that you are happy, they will be happy as well.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2015 6:25pm
By being honest, if you are not honest to yourself you can never be honest to anyone else, stay true to yourself, and do what's right, it can be what you want in your life might won't be what your parents want but at the end once you 'll reach that point, where you are successful and happy you will make your parents proud too :) and won't disappoint :)
Anonymous
April 12th, 2015 4:44pm
It's not very often that parents will like or agree with your lifestyle decisions. Take into account their opinion, but ultimately, it comes down to you.
Effective communication is the key of any smooth relationship. Talk to them , try to tell them about your interests..your reasons for your decision .They are your parents .They want the best for you.
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