I decided to go on holiday to America by myself in July. My dad was not happy with it, saying how unsafe it was. He asked me what kind of coffin I wanted. My mum was supportive because she travelled when she was my age too (I'm 18). It was my first holiday alone. I arrived safe and everything.
When I went to the zoo, I met a guy. This amazing great guy. He was with his family (parents, sister, in-laws) because it was his nephew's birthday. We got talking and we spent the rest of the time at the zoo together. His family were taking the nephew to all the touristy spots I wanted to go to in the city as his birthday present, and they offered to take me to them too to save me on taxi fares. I accepted, as they're a really nice family and I felt safe with them.
So after spending a few days with this guy, we got on really well. It was as if I knew him for ages we just clicked. The guy and his parents had to go back to the town they lived in as they didn't live in the city (3 hour drive away) and they invited me with them. I initially said I'll think about it, then researched the town they're from and it's actually pretty cool. Touristy and a lot of stuff to do. So I decided to check out my hotel and go back with them, because in life you have to do the unexpected sometimes and I felt happy.
So I spent the last week of my holiday with this guy and we had an amazing time. I've never laughed so much. They then took me back to the city for my flight home.
We have been in touch every day since then and I honestly think I love him. I told my mum when I got back about him and she was happy for me but I didn't tell my dad about him... until the other day.
We decided we wanted to see each other again so I've booked a flight to go and visit him over Christmas. I told my mum and she was happy for me and really supportive. My dad on the other hand is p*ssed. He's so angry. And then today he phoned me to tell me he wasn't coming up to visit me at uni on my birthday because he's so angry at me.
I'm not going to stop doing what I want to do because my dad doesn't approve, because it's my life. I'm so happy I have my mum to support me but I wish I had my dad too. He's given me the impression that he doesn't want to talk to me very much, if at all because on the phone call he said "I'm going to end this call now unless you have anything else to say". And I don't want to say anything that'll just make him even angrier.
My dad is a very negative man. He's very much if it isn't his decision or his way, then it is wrong and he will sulk about it. Anything you do that goes against what he wants, he will sulk and give you the silent treatment. So I can't argue with him or try and make him understand my point of view, because he just won't hear it. So I haven't had a very loving relationship with him. I don't like telling him things for this precise reason. Sometimes I wish it was easier to have a limited relationship with him, only sending him a birthday and Christmas card and that being my contact with him, because he's so awkward to communicate with.
I don't know if I want advice or not, I just needed to rant. But any suggestions on how to cope with this reaction would be good, because I can't stop crying.
TL;DR I met a guy on holiday this year and I'm going back to see him at Christmas. My dad is very mad and not happy, and I think I've ruined my relationship with him.