Question About Visiting a Friend

[mikejc90]

Alright, I think this is in the right sections. Anyway, I have a friend who lives in England. I live in the U.S. (east coast) and we have knows each other for two years now. I am nearing the end of my high school career and my parents would like to do something (as in a gift) for my high school graduation. I would love to go visit him over in England for maybe a week before I'm off to join the United States Marine Corps. My parents know nothing about my friend, we have talked on the computer (with skype), used MSN, played games, I could very well consider him my best friend. I know it's safe, I've spoken with his mother before, his friends, I've seen them, its no set up :p Well, my question is how can I break this too my parents. They believe I want a laptop for a high school graduation present, and I do, but I would much rather go visit my friend for a little bit.

I don't know if I should come straight out and say "mom, dad, I was thinking that since you wanted to get me a high school graduation present (and Christmas), that maybe I could go visit someone I know in England" and then proceed to tell them who he is, we've been talking and what not. My only fear about this is that they will say "you should not talk to people over the internet". They only see the news about stalker's on the internet and what not and don't know that relationships can be build online.

My other option is to slowly move in talking about how "I know people on the internet" and that "I would love to visit a foreign county" and slowly work into the whole thing. My other fear is they my parents (being controlling out of love and fear) will have a problem about him being 19 and me being 17, but I know many of his friends and have spoken with them and they are anywhere from 13-21. I'm trying to act on my best behavior, stay out of trouble, and work around the house and show them I am mature and responsible so they will let me go. So, I'm wondering which option everyone thinks would be the best. I'm having a hard time making a decision. Any advice would be great Thanks!

PS: Sorry for the long post o_O

[Wacko1574]

well a laptop would be cool:P...kiddin...........if you trust the guy.....and talked to him...i mean you talked to his mum.......you should tell your parents you want to go to england....and if they tell you you should talk to ppl on the internet.......jst tell them talk to him mum :)
my view i think its rlly sweet of you to do that....and did i mention awww :o ...:D:D good luck
PS:Welcome to the forums....and naaaaaah the longer the better :D:D

[Rashella]

Ok, obviously their first question is going to something like how come you've known this guy for two years and they've never heard anything about him. It would of been better if you'd occasionaly mentioned him to them but hey, no going back now.

Hmm, firstly your going to have to tell them, make sure its somewhere where you can discuss it and they cant just say "No way." and leave. Try at the dinner table or something, so you have a chance of arguing your point, remember its going to be a suprise for them so don't be disheartened is they say no, you always have chance to change their mind.

Once you've persuaded them to actually consider the idea they are going to want reassurance that it is safe and he is who he actually says he is. You should probably arrange for your parents to speak to eachother (on the phone- not the internet if possible), as they arent going to let you go of and stay with people they've never talked to. Then, all you can really do is hope that they say you can go. Just make it clear how much it would mean to you.

[mikejc90]

Hey, thanks for the replies. I guess I'm just REALLY nervous about asking. I told my brother about it today (he's 19) and he said that since starting college up in Canada, he's met up with 3 people so far he's met online so maybe that will settle some fear from my parents. Realistically, there letting me join the U.S. Military at the age of 17, and going to England for a week with someone I know, and someone who they can speak to personally should not be too much of a problem, but still, I am so incredibly nervous to ask. I'll think of something.

[saraharms1]

Tell your parents you'll take nesseccary precautions... you'll meet in a public place and make sure you have a phone near by and anything else you can think of. I say you should kind of ease in by telling them you know people on the interenet and so on. Point out that your mature and old enough to make the right decisions and this is something you really want to do. Talk calmly to them and don't lose your temper. Try to have a calm discussion about it all.



Hope I was of some help


Sarah

[Sweetest.x.Sin]

You could just try talking to your friends, ask them politely and explain your friend to them the best you can, tell them how good of a friend he is, and if they still say no it's no.
There's not much else you can do if they say no unless you live on your own. Then you make your own decisions.