I became friends with someone online after becoming a fan of the same hockey team. We've been watching all of the games together online over voice chat. We are planning on going to a game together. He lives just outside the city the team is based in and I live out of state and will have to fly. He offered to let me stay at his and his brothers house overnight if I want to save money. I want to stay in a hotel in the city for at least a few days so to make it easier to explore but am considering his offer for at least a night not only because of cost but because it would be easier to do stuff together in the town he lives in.
I am a 31 year old adult but currently live with my parents. I pay them rent and buy my own food and other things that I need. I am embarrassed by it and try not to bring it up with people. It came up in conversation with my friend before and he was cool about it. He said he understood that it was expensive to live on your own and that he lives with his brother and splits rent.
I told my parents I was going on this trip and they decided they are going and getting a room in the same hotel. They say its because they have their own things they want to do and see there. I know its really because they are nervous about me traveling alone and know they can't stop me from doing it.
I am afraid my friend might treat me differently if he knows my parents came with. I told my parents this and that I was going to try and hide that they came with from him. Since my friend will be on break from college, I think he will end up being with me for the majority of the trip. I don't know if it will be possible for him to not find out at some point. My mom doesn't think its a big deal and I should be honest and tell him that my dad recently retired and this was a trip he wanted to do. My mom says she has never travelled alone and I shouldn't feel embarrassed of them coming with. My parents say they will be off doing their own things and won't hover over us.
Am I making a bigger deal about it than it is? Should I keep this from my friend?
I know I am going to get answers from people telling me to move out of my parents. I need to get a better paying job. If I don't get a big pay raise at my current job I am going to have to look elsewhere. I am looking into possibly seeing a career counselor because I don't know what I should do. Even if I did have my own place, I think my parents would still try to follow me on this trip. My younger brother bought a place about 10 minutes away a couple years ago. He travels and lies to them about it. I wouldn't want to do that.
TL;DR, Told my parents I am traveling to go to a hockey game with a friend. My parents decided they are coming. Do I tell my friend the truth or attempt to hide it from him?