Hi, there. I (F19) have been dating this guy from Australia (M21) for four months, he and I have been friends for almost three years prior to that. I've never mentioned my online friends to my strict russian parents before (I live in germany, though!), besides my first relationship, which was also a LDR. I've only briefly mentioned that I play games online with someone from Australia a few months ago... anyway, I was 18 when I told them about the first one and they reacted extremely badly, cause my ex was a muslim, but he lived in our neighbour country, which wasn't such a drastic distance like to Australia. They were incredibly racist and claimed you can't love someone you've never met. etc. etc. Basically after that I kept the relationship secret, till it fell apart.

Now, I really want to tell them about this amazing guy. Especially since valentines day is approaching and he is getting flowers for me and apparently more things, that will make it pretty obvious that I'm not single. It would be finally a good opportunity where I am forced to tell them about him, or else I'll always be too scared to confess. My parents are rather toxic and pretty much control my life so I am quite scared how it'll go and am looking for advice on how I could hold my ground against them? They need to understand that I should decide about my life, and especially who I choose to date.

My boyfriend and I hope to meet around christmas, where he'd fly out to me to properly meet my family before I'd ever fly out to him, but it's not 100% confirmed, cause of the travel ban Australia faces at the moment. Thanks, covid. Them getting him to know over video chat is not an option since my parents only speak russian and german. He is currently practicing basic german, but it would nowhere be enough anytime soon. I have no idea how to make him seem trustworthy and like a great guy for me and let them approve of the relationship. He has all the qualities my parents want in a boyfriend for me, besides that he isn't russian or german and lives extremely far away, besides that he'd be perfect in their eyes. Do you have any ideas? Obviously I'll continue the relationship if they like it or not, but approval would make things a lot easier.

I'm curious how you guys did it with relationships that had a language barriere and possibly strict and disapproving parents by default? Sorry for the long post. I'm thankful for any response, have a nice day.

​

UPDATE:

Well, my idea was to tell them by showing his gifts which were flowers, this teddy and some chocolate and then to explain who got it for me.

I was EXTREMELY terrified.. but they took the news goddamn amazingly? He and I still can’t believe that really happened. Like, wow. They are insanely supportive and happy for me! This is truly the best day of the entire year. Now Australia just has to lift the travel ban so we can finally meet, oh well. This was a huge success though. Extremely happy now 😊