Going Solo Trip to meet online friend VS going a trip with my mom

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1

Hi fellow friends!

would like some advice / pov.

I am going on a trip in september for my bday trip. Initially I want to go on solo trip to meet my china online friend whom I knew for 2 years but we have never met before in person. However, it caught me thinking whether it will be safe or I dont have red alert thinking that it is not safe. Personally I feel he’s not a bad person because during my shanghai trip he did help to send delivery to me and my friend at our hotel.

I didn’t think that much and I thought it should be ok for me to meet in during my trip.

Also, I am thinking to my mom my along for the trip but my rs with her haven’t been the best since last year and early this year we went into a very tension and having convos with her are difficult nowadays.

I know if i bring her along, i need to take care of her navigate maps bcos she cant read maps nor take plane alone and also i cant meet her halfway my trip too also i know it may be unavoidable we might have tense convo along the way. I have bought my own air ticket. my mom also aware and talked to my friend before on phone. I did told him abt my thoughts of bringing my mom along and he said he’s fine end of day its my decision.

would like to hear your thoughts.

2

Hi there reassuredturnip9, thank you for reaching out today!

Honestly, there is no right or wrong answer here. Like what you shared, going alone might not be that safe even if you knew the person for 2 years and spoke to them before. On the other hand, the worries about going with your mom are valid as well.

From what I see, it might be best to think of ‘backup plans’ for the two options you have shared.

For example,

  1. Going alone - Inform people of your whereabouts, form bounderies when you were to meet your friend and look out for danger signs when you are there. But ultimately make your whereabouts known to your friends and family.

  2. Going with your mom - Forming a bounderies with your Mom whenever you feel like the conversation is getting too tensed, know when to pause the conversation and seperate to allow things to calm down.

Those are just my thoughts on how I see it. I hope it is useful for you today!