Hi Kayle

You are very wise indeed to take note of these warning signs! What starts out as teasing by an immature boyfriend can result in cruelty and abuse, which is what this sounds like. He is using you as a toy, something to play with like a cat with a ball of wool. Believe me, once you are married, it will only get worse. Some men are like this.

I had a bf like yours. At first I would laugh along with his japes, which included startling me so much I nearly jumped out of my skin, waking me up, constantly imitating my voice when I was being serious, etc, but, after a while it became too much; however, he still maintained it was "only a bit of fun". Maybe it was to him, not to me.

Plus your bf doesn't help with tasks around the house and also favours one of the cats and ignores the other one. This does not augur well for a happy married life for you and any children with this person.

You are mature enough (much more than your bf) to see this scenario as a projection of any future you may have together.

I think your parents can see all this and are simply worried about what will happen if you settle down with him. I'd be worried too if you were my daughter.

There are plenty more fish in the sea!

Do take care and make good choices, all best wishes, FG