Thanks for your advice! I wrote that post in desperation! It was more venting than me actually thinking through making that big of a decision! It just kinda felt like my life was falling apart...losing my family. I've thought about it alot and actually some new problems have arose...they just never stop. In order for my fiance ( and yes we are engaged now...the fam still doesnt know ) to get the experience he needs for his career, he is joining the army. So now there will definately be no rushing into a marriage without my parents knowing...I'll just tell them when the time is right (about a year until I graduate) and that way if they want to help me plan a wedding then I would love to have them there! If not, then sadly I'll prepare to plan a very small but beautiful wedding myself and be with my future husband. I can't wait. Any suggestions for easing the engagement on my parents?