It is not easy to run away with your boyfriend.You should take your time to determine if it's the right thing to do, as this is a huge decision that will impact your life and his.There are things that you and your boyfriend should do if you are certain.
Step 1: Why do you want to run away?
It is easy to make decisions if you are young.If you want to calm down before making any big decisions, try to pack up your things and leave the house in the heat of the moment.It's important that you are fully confident in your decision before you run away.Are you fighting with your parents?It can be really unpleasant to live with your parents who are not on good terms.It's cheaper to work out momentary problems than it is to uproot your life.Do you think it's worth it to run away from your boyfriend?If your boyfriend loves you, he won't force you to change your life or leave your home to be with him.You have your entire life to support yourself, pay bills, and create a life with your partner, so why leave your home before you need to?
Step 2: Consider other options.
It's crucial to consider all other options before running away with your boyfriend.Try talking to your parents first if you are unhappy with anything at home, such as a lack of privacy, strained relationships, or strict rules.You may be able to find a compromise if you sit down and address the issues in a calm and mature way.Family counseling is recommended if there are major issues.Counselors can teach you how to communicate better with each other and correct issues in your home.
Step 3: Talk to your boyfriend honestly.
It's important that you see each other as teammates as you make a huge decision with him.Talk to him about why you are running away, how you will deal with obstacles, and what goals you have for your future together.There are real, unromantic problems that can arise when you run away together.Will you two pay for everything?If you run out of money, how will you handle it?If he loses his job, what will he do?You need to be committed, responsible, and motivated to start a life together.
Step 4: Before making a decision, seek help from outside sources.
Talking to someone can help you evaluate your situation and determine if leaving home is the best thing for you.Talk to an adult that you trust, such as a relative, teacher, school counselor, or a friend's parents.If you don't feel comfortable talking to an adult about your situation, you can call the National Runaway Safeline.Before you make a decision to leave, there are a lot of resources you can call upon.
Step 5: Find a job.
If you and your boyfriend run away, you will be responsible for your finances.You may rely on your parents or other family members for financial help now, and sometimes you aren't aware of how much help they provide.If you don't already have stable jobs, you will need to find one.You will need to work on the weekends in order to support yourself if you are still in school.Monster, SimplyHired, and other job sites can be used to find jobs in the area you are going to.It's best to line up your employment before you leave.
Step 6: Find a place to live.
Unless a friend or family member offers you a place to live rent-free, you will need to find a new home.The cost of living varies from place to place.It is cheaper to live in a small town than it is in New York City.Pick something that will fit into your budget by searching the web for available apartments or houses for rent.30% of your income should go to rent.You have a combined total of $4,000 to work with if you make $2,000 a month and your boyfriend makes $2,000.You should look for apartments that cost less than $1,200.You have to put down a deposit when you find a place to live.Before move-in day, set aside money for that.
Step 7: You will need to learn how to live alone.
You will be responsible for grocery shopping, cooking, and paying bills when you run away.You have an advantage if you know how to do these things.It's helpful to learn before you leave in order to make your transition easier.If you want to understand all of the responsibilities you will have, you need to observe the things your parents do around the house.There are articles on how to do basic tasks.Simple recipes can be found online to learn how to cook.
Step 8: Decide when you will leave.
You and your boyfriend will leave on that date.You can make all your arrangements before moving day if you plan a date far in advance.If you don't have time, you will have to make all of your arrangements on short notice.If you know that running away will cause a big commotion in your family, make sure that you and your boyfriend know your departure date.As the day approaches, try not to be suspicious.
Step 9: How will you leave?
It's great if you have a car.If the car is in your parents' name and you're leaving home without their support, this might be a problem.There could be legal consequences if they demand you bring the car back.There shouldn't be an issue if you bought the car yourself.If anything happens, budget car insurance into your finances so that you are protected.Saving money for a ticket in advance is important if you are going to fly, take a bus, or train.
Step 10: Before you leave, start saving money.
This is only possible if you have enough time.If you are running away from a bad situation and don't have time to save money, you can ignore this step.It is wise if you have time to save a little nest egg.It's smart to have money saved up just in case, even the most frugal people with the strictest budgets can have unexpected expenses.Before you leave to save money, start living frugally.Don't spend money on eating out, getting coffee, and getting your nails done.Put the money towards your running away fund.
Step 11: Do your research on expenses.
When you live with your boyfriend, you may not be aware of all of the costs that you will face.Do your parents pay for your cell phone?Doctors bills?Do they buy the things you use around the house, like laundry detergent, hand soap, toothpaste, paper towels, and toilet paper?You need to be prepared, all of these things add up.Determine how much money you will need to allocate for different things once you leave, by writing down necessities that you're going to need.You will inevitably have expenses you didn't plan for when you start living on your own.That's okay!Prepare the best you can.When in doubt, overstate.Too much money is better for something that isn't enough.
Step 12: A budget is made.
It's important to create a budget for the first time when you're living on your own.If you have a car, groceries, health insurance, or any other unavoidable expenses, figure out how much money you'll need to set aside for them.All of your necessities should be considered before considering things like cable and Internet.Stick to your budget once you've created it.You can't say no to every invitation you get if you know you only have $100 a month for fun.If you want to be able to pay your rent, you can't spend $200 on a shopping spree.
Step 13: You should leave when your parents are gone.
They can avoid a screaming match by sneaking out while they're away.It is possible to make a dramatic exit, but that could make things more difficult.Take your bags and leave when the coast is clear.If your parents don't leave the house often, or if you have a flight or bus to catch, try to leave when they're in another room or sleeping.If you must, get creative and find a way out.There is more information about executing the perfect exit here.
Step 14: Leave a message.
This help can be helpful to you.Your parents may be less likely to call authorities if you leave a note explaining that you've decided to leave and have made arrangements.They could suspect foul play if you disappear.They will have some information if you explain that you left on your own and have a plan.You can explain more if they try to contact you personally.
Step 15: Don't be found.
Don't bring any electronic devices with you.If you're on a family plan, your parents will be able to track these.A credit or debit card can be used to create a record of your location.Purchase a cheap pay-as-you-go phone when you hit the road, and pay for things in cash.The less electronics you use, the less chance you have of leaving a trail.Don't use social media.In a world of constant communication, it's tempting to post a quick status on social media about your plans for a new life.Don't!Your parents or authorities will be able to track you down if you provide electronic information.
Step 16: You can always return to your home.
You always have the ability to go home even if you're angry with your parents.If you find yourself in trouble, don't be afraid to go home and ask for help.Running away can be dangerous and can lead to bigger consequences than simply angry parents.Don't let a fight at home cause you to get into trouble outside.The National Runaway Safeline can be reached at 1-800-RUNAWAY.They can help you get home safely and address the problems that caused you to run away in the first place.