Artist at Heart

Dear WISY,

I am the last of 7 children.  The oldest is 41 and I am 27.  Ever since I graduated from secondary school and began preparing for college, my family has been preaching to me about marriage and the importance of securing a boyfriend who will marry me soon after college graduation.  Well, that didn't happen.  I'll be 28 soon and in no way am I panicked about still being single.  I don't care about all that marriage and children talk.  I want to date and experience as much as I can before I tie myself down to one person.  

I also want to pursue my career as an artist.  They don't like that I am into the arts and prefer to spend my time with eccentric people.  They think that somehow these people have had an impact on me and my way of thinking.  I disagree.  I was born this way and despite what my family had to say I always followed my heart and surrounded myself with art.  Yes, I may have a degree in Political Science, but I am an artist.

I have purchased a ticket to visit another country and possibly stay for a while.  I haven't told them yet because I know they will do everything in their power to discourage me.

Do you think I should go and then alert them once I'm there or do you think I should tell them before I leave and deal with the hurricane of negativity which is bound to come?

Signed,

Artist at Heart