Not enough independence from Parents

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I am a 23 y/o female and I am incredibly close to my parents. We have what I would describe as a close relationship, and I love them to pieces. I am an only child but I have grown up not being spoilt with material possessions, but instead with my parents’ time. They have always attended events that I’m interested in with me, gone to concerts with me, and just shown an interest in everything I have ever done. I am incredibly grateful for this, and I couldn’t ask for better parents.

However, as I’m growing older I am finding that I am retaining some of the old habits I was used to displaying as a child/teenager. I still want them to watch my favourite TV shows with me, go to concerts with me etc and I get really sad and frustrated when they say they don’t want to. I really want to break out of this habit as at 23 years old I need to be enjoying things for myself, but I can’t help feeling lonely and almost insulted when my parents say they don’t want to share my favourite things with me anymore. I know how spoilt this is making me sound, and believe me I know how lucky I am, I just don’t know how to break out of wanting them to share everything with me.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation?

Thanks☺️

Reply 1

username5886907

Absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to spend time with your parents. I think going out alone more will let you enjoy your own company over time.

Reply 2

londonmyst

Try not to take it personally whenever your parents don't want to watch something with you or are too busy to come with you. :smile:

Remember that different people often have very different tastes when it comes to tv, music, food and sports.

As people get older they become more independent.
Tend to prefer to go their own way or mostly socialise with close friends and dates rather than parents.
Do you prefer always being with other people to being alone?
Do you want to live alone or with a partner one day?

Try to get used to doing the things that you most enjoy on your own and learning new skills.
Concerts, the cinema, shopping, cafes, restaurants, the pub, any personal fitness or sports activities that you do.
Good luck!