How to break bad news?

Lurch830

Lurch830

messin' with sasquatch
Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Location
Wilton & Albemarle, NC
I've recently purchased a motorcycle (cruiser) and need to know how to break that news to my folks...

My dad & grandpa have rode their entire lives, but my mom HATES motorcycles. So much so that when I lived at home she threatened to kick me out if I bought one; and now that I've lived on my own for a few years, she threatens divorcing my dad.

I've taken the MSF class, got my endorsement and I've got all the safety gear (skull-bowl & a full-face helmet, gloves & jacket). The way I see it I've really got 3 options:

#1 - show up one day in all my gear on the bike
#2 - break it to them easy without the bike/gear
#3 - wait until they find out from another source

So NC4x4, what say you?
 
First of all, how old are you? If you are living on your own, and paying all your own bills, then I say, not really any of their business, and if they find out they find out, but either way it is your decision and yours alone.
 
Start out by telling them something really horrible...something that would make your mom pass out...after they've had their dramatic reaction to that news, say "just kiddn, I actually just bought a motorcycle". Here's an example: "Mom, I've decided to have a sex change." ::long pause:: "Just kiddn, I bought a motorcycle"

Won't seem as bad. But like BigClay said, if you're on your own and paying for your stuff...who cares.
 
Just tell her. Just say that your a grown A** man and you want a bike....end of story. Then tell her you love her and give her a kiss because after all she is your mother and did give birth to you and raise you for 18 years....
 
drive the motorcycle through their living room wall.

Then your mom will be too upset that her living room wall has a huge gaping hole in it, and her living room is destroyed to really care about you having a motorcycle.

That, or just stop being a wuss and tell them about it if you feel that bad. I learned to stop lying to my parents a long time ago. If you feel they should know, then just tell em.
 
Haha just tell them, its worse telling them you wrecked your mtn bike, not your street bike....lieing of course.... Damn you squrriel spur road.
 
It's your decision and yours alone, as has been said. If your mom is serious about threatening to divorce your dad because he owns or rides a bike is juvenile at best. Sounds as if SHE has some controlling issues she needs to work out. Enjoy your bike, ride with your family and be safe.
 
Trying to address everybody here:

25 years old, living under my own roof for over a year, lived independent of my parents for ~5 years.

I think the threat of divorce is her way of blowing smoke....don't think she'd really do it.

My plan all along was to tell them and I've never lied to my parents, just trying to figure out the best way to handle a sticky situation.
 
Man up and tell her. She will be mad now, or she will be made later. Go ahead and get it over with.

But in all reality ...... if you're on your own .....

This is one of those things ....... you really don't wanna tell'em at all ... but if you haven to ask this question, you already know the answer.

"I'm a grown a** man" Don't do this ..... most I've heard say this really aren't.

Matt
 
I bought one last year...of course I live on my own 3 hrs away from my parents so it really doesn't matter. Bought a 1200 Nightster. I waited until after I put the Vance & Hines short shots on it to tell my mom...then I just drowned out the sobs but revving up the bike.
 
walk in and tell her this:

afarm2.static.flickr.com_1253_5166685133_3d0e89d078.jpg
 
easy....its easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission
 
I agree with all of the above who said it's really none of their business. The only way I could see them having a say in the matter is if you owe them a large sum of money (which they would assume you spent on the bike). In which case... pay them back first. Then tell them.

I see your point and I admire your stand on not lying to your parents. That hasn't always been my policy, and my relationship with my parents has suffered because of it. But by hiding it now will only hurt them worse when they eventually find out.

Also, in my opinion, anyone who threatens to disown/divorce a family member over something like this really doesn't have that strong of an attachment to that relationship in the first place. Even if its an empty threat... once someone discovers they can use ultimatums to control your behavior, they will continue to do so.
 
I'd just let it ride and not mention it... If they happen to see it just say you realize its something they don't approve of and didn't want to upset them or cause a heated discussion.. When it turns into a heated discussion say thats why you didn't bring it up.. Then don't enter into the debate... Change the subject...
 
yager said:
I'd just let it ride and not mention it... If they happen to see it just say you realize its something they don't approve of and didn't want to upset them or cause a heated discussion.. When it turns into a heated discussion say thats why you didn't bring it up.. Then don't enter into the debate... Change the subject...
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Best advice yet.
 
Just roll up. My father only said "you know how I feel about motorcycles." But the truth is he never said a thing about motorcycles. :D
 
Lurch830 said:
Trying to address everybody here:
25 years old, living under my own roof for over a year, lived independent of my parents for ~5 years.
I think the threat of divorce is her way of blowing smoke....don't think she'd really do it.
My plan all along was to tell them and I've never lied to my parents, just trying to figure out the best way to handle a sticky situation.
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If buying a motorcycle is all you have to do to get a divorce; I'd say buy 2 to be on the safe side.

Call her bluff and live single the rest of your life.

Tell your parents to accept the motorcycle or accept living at the Bryan Center shitting on themself all day and waiting 2 weeks for bath when they get older.

Just my 2cents though.
 
John B. said:
If buying a motorcycle is all you have to do to get a divorce; I'd say buy 2 to be on the safe side.
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His mother said she'd divorce his father if he got a motorcycle. THen maybe he and his dad can go riding together and add to the liabilities on the highways and backroads.
 
Macdaddy4738 said:
Lol is this a serious post or a joke?
Outlawed? Why? Only person they are dangerous to are the people that ride them. They know the dangers when they get on, so more power to em.
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i would assume it was a joke. dangerous..yes. but you only live once, might as well have fun
 
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