One woman found out just how hard after her parents showed up unannounced during her first date with a longtime friend. With no idea how they found her, the confused woman turned to Reddit to share the text messages she exchanged with them following their audacious ambush.

More info:Reddit

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Overbearing parents can be an absolute nightmare, as this woman found out, much to her horror

Two people wearing matching face masks and Disney-themed costumes walking on a futuristic path.

Image credits:Taha / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

While out on her first date with a longtime friend, her parents showed up entirely out of the blue

Image credits:Ranedrops143

A couple enjoying a date at an amusement park, with colorful balloons and a Ferris wheel in the background.

Image credits:freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

While the friend beat a hasty retreat, the woman was left in a state of utter shock

Text messages discussing surprise and disappointment.

Text message conversation, with one person refusing a visit.

Text conversation about parents' concerns, child accuses them of stalking.

A person lying in bed, looking at their phone, illuminated by a bedside lamp, conveying a sense of being stalked.

Image credits:Ron Lach / Pexels (not the actual photo)

Text message from parents discussing stalking date incident at Disneyland.

Text exchange discussing concerns and expectations between parents and a date.

Text conversation about conflict and boundaries.

Text exchange about being stalked by parents, discussing trust and relationship boundaries.

According to OP, her parents at first wanted to chaperone, but when she told them no, they tracked the couple, waited outside the location of thedate,and then demanded OP and her love interest speak with them. The pair declined the stalking parents, but the woman turned to Reddit to share the heated text exchange she had with them afterwards.

The texts then ramble on a bit with overtones of Christian beliefs and feature some more allegations about the woman’s date’s true intentions before OP tells them that she feels stalked, that what they did isunfair, and finally reveals that her date has now asked her for space.

From what OP tells us in her post, it would definitely seem like her parents have no respect for her admittedly healthy boundaries. Their behavior may be bordering on toxic, in addition to entitled and definitely creepy. After all, what right did they have to involve themselves in their adult daughter’s love life? And how should OP deal with their controlling nature moving forward? We went looking for answers.

Parents focused on their devices, possibly concerned about their child’s date activities.

Image credits:zinkevych / Freepik (not the actual photo)

In her article forChoosing Therapy, Ashley Stuck writes that parents who always dictate your choices, undermine your independence, or constantly demand obedience can create a situation where it’s difficult to feel capable, confident, or, indeed, free to be yourself.

According to Stuck, recognizing the signs of controlling parenting is an important first step in understanding how it affects you and in reclaiming control of your own life.

Some signs of controlling parents include offering conditional love, demanding blind obedience and conformity, threatening abandonment, interfering in all aspects of their adult child’s life, invalidating feelings, over-involving themselves in social relationships, and mostly giving negative criticism.

In her article forPsychCentral, Marissa Moore writes that coping with overbearing parents can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help you out.

A few of these include using ‘I statements’ that are less likely to produce a defensive response, setting healthy boundaries about what, and what isn’t, acceptable behavior, and limiting what you share if your parents have a habit of criticizing your decisions.

Perhaps OP needs to reiterate her boundaries to her parents but, this time, make it clear that there will be consequences if they’re not respected. No stalking should probably be top of her list.

Online discussion about parents tracking a date using phone and AirTags.

Reddit conversation about being stalked by parents on a date, highlighting shock and concern.

Text conversation, discussing unusual behavior after a first date revelation.

Reddit discussion about parental restrictions, focusing on experiences and religious expectations.

Reddit thread discussing advice on parents stalked date, emphasizing no contact and restraining order suggestions.

Discussion on being stalked with advice from former cop, addressing concerns about privacy and safety.

Comments discussing parents' influence and limited contact regarding dependency issues.

Reddit conversation about parental disapproval of a date, mentioning a guy named Daniel.

Comments discussing strategies and safety concerning OP situation.

Comments discussing how parents might be tracking a phone, suggesting a new phone plan to ensure safety.

Text conversation discussing being stalked by parents and finding relief through dating.

Reddit comments discussing personal experiences and advice on dealing with similar situations.

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