So basically my boyfriend and I have been together for 3 years this March. We met in high school and have been together ever since. He is actually a year ahead of me and we managed to stay together through his first year away from me. Now we both go to colleges in the same area and we just signed a lease on our first apartment. We have picked out a ring and now all that's left is to tell our parents we are getting married. For my boyfriend it will be easy, his parents are very understanding and will back him in all his decisions. My mom however is not as accepting. I know she won't understand why we want to get engaged at such a young age. She has never been married and has a sort of pessimistic humor towards the whole thing. I know she will be upset but I am just wondering if there is a better way to tell her and make her understand that this is really what I want and I am happy. Help Please!

Let me see, you don't live at home, you are in college and you believe you are mature enough to get married. So that includes living with your choices and standing up for your beleifs. So you tell her what is the worst, she says no?? So what, you areadly believe and are acting like she said no. so she will be upset :? They get over it.
How upset will she be if and when she hears it from someone else, his parents call her up and give her their blessings?

You just tell her and go on with life.

Why don't you all go out to dinner and let her have a glass of her favorite wine. She will be so curious.

Im in the same situation. My parents saw the ring on my finger and questioned me. I still haven't told them, but Im only 17 almost 18 this March we don't plan to get married until 2010 - 2012, but me and my fiancé have been living together since December and its now March, we love each other but are not rushing to be married. We support each like married couples we just don't have the title of husband and wife... But I learned when telling parents something you have to sit them down and say something like we have to talk and this is important to me so please listen to me speak before you comment and explain your love to your boyfriend and that you would like to get married... but don't rush it I know it can work out seen it happen but things can change. If I were you Id live with him first in your apartment for 6 months than get married time to now him inside and outside, and him to get to know you. How you sleep, eat, activities, driving abilities, family, hobbies everything you can favorite food colors animals car etc... you can never wait to long.. but if you think its right just tell her she may be shocked but you're her daughter she is just afraid for your future she wants it to be the best that it can be