AITA for moving out of my parents house?
I(24M) have a rather uneasy relationship with my parents (60+). Growing up, my goals and dreams were largely their goals and dreams so when I ever failed, it felt like I was hurting them in a way. Recently, things have gotten fairly toxic as my family hates my girlfriend (22F). Me and her have talked about moving in together for years once she graduated college which is this week. About two weeks ago we decided to look at an apartment half on a whim and we actually loved it. We saw the place on a Saturday, applied on Wednesday and signed the lease on the following Saturday.
The entire time I was quite nervous, however, as I knew my parents would disapprove. Girlfriend routinely calls our parents toxic behavior and this has resulted in distance between the two parties. I told them on Thursday of that week we were going to tour the place again and possibly sign. They have criticized every step: financially (GF and I net $170k combined), rent cost ($2400 in New England suburb), and the speed of the entire thing.
I acknowledged their concerns but assured them it’s what I wanted. Since then, they have blown up at me multiple times insinuating I’m turning my back on family for moving 25 minutes away, that I’ve betrayed them, and that my GF has destroyed our once happy family. My parents even requested I tell them before I arrive to begin moving out so they are not around during it.
GF and friends tell me I am escaping a toxic narcissistic cycle, parents tell me I’m disappointing them beyond anything ever before. Help.