So both my parents are very religious, and they did all they could to raise me and my siblings the same way. As im getting older and figuring myself out, I've come to realize that the strict Christian lifestyle isn't for me. I've only went with it for so long because I grew up going to Christian schools and church. Basically everyone I knew was a Christian, so I wasn't "exposed" to anyone with a different lifestyle until around highschool. This was when I really started having questions and doubts, but whenever I came to my parents about it they shut it down and said to never question Gods existence. It's been years since and now I think I can say I'm agnostic, but I'm still trying to figure myself out.

ANYWAY, heres what's going on. I'm in a serious relationship with an atheist. My parents know this and they obviously dont like it. They tend to act to like he doesn't exist when I talk about him, which is whatever I guess. I figured they wouldnt like him, but it's annoying most of the time. I'm guessing they think that I'll eventually come to my senses and leave him.

My boyfriend and I are planning on spending our lives together. We've talked about marriage, kids (maybe), living together, all that stuff. Right now we're in the early stages of finding a place together. Were in the east coast and we want to move to the west coast. We're both 21 and currently working and saving up money. Im really happy and excited to do this with him, but I still live with my parents so I have to tell them about it. Im really nervous about how they'll react. I have no idea how that talk is gonna happen without it getting upsetting.

Has anyone had this experience? How do I tell them?