Letter to my parents (LONG)

[SteveY]

you should try to reach a compromise with your parents instead of trying to convince them that you're better off playing poker than getting a job. remember that in a compromise you will have to give up some goals in order to accommodate your parent's concerns. hopefully in the end you and your parents can come up with a solution that makes both parties happy, even if it's not exactly what either side wanted in the first place.

if you're having trouble approaching your parents, then read rory's posts. they are really excellent guidelines on what you want to get out of your conversations with them. even if you think that your parents are too hard-headed or whatever, just try approaching them anyway. they might be surprised to see you taking the initiative and respecting their concerns, which could make them more willing to negotiate.