It’s hard to tell my parents I’m getting counseling.

Before falling asleep, I revise the words over and over under the covers, wondering how to tell my parents I’m getting counseling.

Scenes

It’s hard to tell my parents I’m getting counseling. — After I turn out the light, I keep revising what to say to my parents, then fall asleep without saying anything.
I’m afraid they’ll worry as soon as I tell them. — I imagine my parents asking what’s wrong, so I prepare words to reassure them that I’m okay.
I prepare my answers alone, too. — Worried my parents will worry, I work out alone why I’m getting counseling and how to tell them I’m okay.
I take on both explaining and reassuring them. — Adding reasons and reassurance to what I’ll tell my parents makes it harder to say the first sentence.
Tonight, choose just the first sentence. — Read the words “I’m getting counseling” to yourself. You don’t need to add a reason or explanation.
You can think about their reaction afterward. — For today, choosing just the first sentence is enough. You can hear what your parents have to say after you tell them.