How to tell my parents that I'm getting engaged?

If you're mature and prepared enough to get married, then this should not be an issue.

"Mom and Dad, Lee and I want you to know that we are engaged. We're planning a wedding for April 2017/next summer/sometime in the next year. We hope we have your blessing."

If they are negative about it, just shrug and say, "Sorry you feel that way." Do not defend your engagement, do not beg them to see it your way, do not argue with them, do not engage in conversation about it. Just say "Sorry you feel that way" or "We're happy with our decision" and nothing more.

If they get REALLY hostile, politely say goodbye and then leave the house/hang up the phone.

If the issue here is that you live with them, then you should consider moving out - or at least have a plan in place in case they kick you out (move in with your fiance, move into a hotel until you can afford your own place, or move into an apartment with a friend) - before you tell them, if they're going to make your life a living hell over it.

But most parents are not going to object over an engagement unless there's a legitimate reason why. If the issue here is that your parents disapprove because one/both of you do not have a degree and/or a job; if you are drowning in debt; if your partner is violent or controlling; if you barely know each other; etc., then you should put some stock into their opinion. Your parents would not be doing their jobs as parents if they blindly supported your engagement, rather than spoke up about pressing concerns.

But if they are objecting solely because of a bigoted reason - if your fiance is of a different race or religion than you, or if you're a same-sex couple - then you need to sit down and really think about whether you want to keep such people in your life. If you're getting married then your spouse needs to be your number one priority, and you cannot allow friends or family to treat your spouse badly ... they need to show your spouse a basic level of respect and civility, otherwise your marriage won't work.

If you're old enough and mature enough to get married, you're old enough to tolerate that mommy and daddy are disappointed in you and disagree with your major life decision.

I think you should start by being honest with yourself. If you're anticipating that they'll be upset, it's not because they're "strict". Getting married is a very traditional way of life as opposed to living together without being married. Most likely they would not object to the marriage if you were older, if you had known your bf longer, if they knew him better, if you both had college degrees and had started your careers, were the same religion, etc.

Even if they're strict, most parents are glad to hear the announcement if they feel their child is ready and has chosen the right mate.

U are 23....not 16

Showing up with a ring on that finger is a pretty good way to break it to them...
Most parents are happy when their kids get engaged.

I honestly think that they'l be fine with it because it's a commitment. Just let them know that that's what you want and if they don't accept it for some reason don't get discouraged because in the end it's you who's going to get married and start a life with someone. they can't get in the way of that, because if you let them it's gonna be nothing but trouble. I learned the hard way.

resumably they know you have a boy/girlfriend. Just tell them. You are 23 aren't you?

if you're mature and prepared enough to get married, then this should not be an issue...

"mom and dad, lee and i want you to know that we are engaged... we're planning a wedding for april 2017/next summer/sometime in the next year... we hope we have your blessing..."

if they are negative about it, just shrug and say, "sorry you feel that way..." do not defend your engagement, do not beg them to see it your way, do not argue with them, do not engage in conversation about it... just say "sorry you feel that way" or "we're happy with our decision" and nothing more...

if they get really hostile, politely say goodbye and then leave the house/hang up the phone...

if the issue here is that you live with them, then you should consider moving out - or at least have a plan in place in case they kick you out (move in with your fiance, move into a hotel until you can afford your own place, or move into an apartment with a friend) - before you tell them, if they're going to make your life a living hell over it...

but most parents are not going to object over an engagement unless there's a legitimate reason why... if the issue here is that your parents disapprove 'cause one/both of you do not have a degree and/or a job; if you are drowning in debt; if your partner is violent or controlling; if you barely know each other; etc..., then you should put some stock into their opinion... your parents would not be doing their jobs as parents if they blindly supported your engagement, rather than spoke up about pressing concerns...

but if they are objecting solely 'cause of a bigoted reason - if your fiance is of a different race or religion than you, or if you're a same-sugar couple - then you need to sit down and really think about whether you want to keep such people in your life... if you're getting married then your spouse needs to be your number one priority, and you cannot allow friends or family to treat your spouse badly ......... they need to show your spouse a basic level of respect and civility, otherwise your marriage will definitely not work...

At 23 you should be old enough to make your decisions. Say "I'm engaged" or "I proposed to [name of partner] and he/she said yes". If your parents don't agree with it, don't invite them to the wedding. I don't see why they wouldn't be happy for you though.

You're an adult, you can start the conversation any way you like. Your life, your engagement, your future. It's not up to your parents to make your adult decisions.

And if you can't tell your parents about this (one of the happiest times in your life), then you must not be all that thrilled about getting engaged.

If you're 23 years of age and living in the U.S., you don't need your parents' permission or approval in order to become engaged or to get married. Just say to them: "Hey, mom and dad! I'm engaged"!

Give them a Cootie catcher (this thing in the picture) and make every answer "I am getting married".