Can subliminals really change strict parents? Mine never did.

Ever since I was 16, I’ve felt trapped by my very strict asian parents. Their rules touched every part of my life—I couldn’t go out, explore, or even do simple things like keep a diary or journal, because they’d snoop and read it too many times even if I hide it. I felt like I had no space that was truly my own. When I turned 18, I found someone who gave me that space in his heart, my (secret) boyfriend who’s been with me for almost four years. He’s been my safe place, my support, my everything.

Then, just a few weeks ago, I got caught. My parents told me they wouldn’t pay for my med school if I didn’t break up with him. So I “broke up” in disguise—but the truth is, we never really ended things. And now, with graduation just around the corner, everything feels heavier than ever. I live in a country where education is everything, especially in a third-world setting, so giving up this opportunity is a huge sacrifice and it's just really hard to move out and leave my parents. If I pay for my own tuition or work first, they’ll probably resent me, thinking I threw away a free education for a man.

But this man has given me more than I could ever have. He’s adapted and understood what I can only do and give, supported me and helped me with my academics when I had an emergency surgery, and loved me in ways no one else could. I feel torn between the gratitude and love I have for him and the fear of disappointing my parents. I just want a chance to live my life freely, to have some control, and to keep the love I’ve built. I’ve been listening to subliminals for six years, and almost everything came true… except my parents becoming less strict. Can it really change them? I just want to be loved and supported in my decisions unconditionally.