24-Year-Old Makes Desperate Plea For Independence, As Controlling Parents Seek To Shield Them From The "Big Bad World"

"This was fine when I was a teenager, but now I'm 24 and I need to have a life."

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• November 1, 2023

Parents, blessed with the best intentions, sometimes erect walls instead of bridges for their children. Rather than gradually introducing their kids to the real world as they grow older, these controlling parents create hurdles that make it difficult for them to adapt later in life when they finally gain their independence.

This distressing tale of a 24-year-old Redditor (OP) paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by many young adults who have had to deal with overprotective parents.

OP explained that they have been dealing with generalized anxiety disorder for a long time, which disrupted a lot of their life.

Those who have been battling anxiety can tell you that it's no mean feat, and the world can indeed be a daunting place for them. Thus, it's natural for parents to want to shield such children from potential harm.

However, there's a fine line between protection and imprisonment. For this young adult, having faced life's challenges head-on, including managing anxiety and excelling academically, the sheltered environment that their parents have kept them feels stifling.

As a teenager, OP was banned from working, which meant that they had to depend on their parents for everything. This wasn't much of a problem at that time, but now that OP is 24 and preparing to graduate from college, it feels absurd that their parents are adamant about keeping them shielded from the "Big Bad World."

Despite OP's efforts to become independent, their parents have found numerous ways to frustrate them, even to the point where they have to quit any job they get.

Indeed, OP has demonstrated resilience, capability, and a commitment to betterment over the years. Yet, their parents' consistent resistance, symbolized by the phrase "you're not done cooking yet," reflects a hesitation to let them spread their wings and fly.

At this point, OP has grown sick of living under their parent's control and is preparing to force their way out of the nest, with or without their parent's blessing.

Scroll down to find out how the story unfolds.

Let’s dig into the details

A little background

Each time OP gets a job, their parents make them quit. Worst of all, their parents don’t give them enough to sustain themself

OP’s parents have also made it clear that they won’t be moving out soon, especially to go stay with their boyfriend

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

“Just move out. If you lose them because you insist on living a normal adult life then you never had them to begin with.“

“This is a control thing. They want to keep you insulated from the ‘big bad world’ because it gives them power over you.“

“Stop letting them control and manipulate you. You now have the perfect chance to get out.”

“Do you need your mom to pack your suitcase? You're free to go. The only person standing in your way is you.“

“I think you only feel ‘conflicted’ because they're manipulating you.“

“You're fully cooked and ready to be removed from oven, so go.“

“Leaving your parents' home and control is a normal part of growing up. You need to set this boundary with them.”

“You're an adult. You don't need their permission for anything.“

“It's time to live your own life. You just need the courage to do it.“

Important edit

The Reddit community rallied behind OP to give them much-needed emotional support. You can tell that resentment is building, and their parents will have a lot to deal with in the future if they keep this up.

The general consensus is that OP must take their future into their own hands. And as one Redditor said, if it means losing the relationship they have with their parents in the process, then so be it.

We'd love to get your thoughts on this story. Join the conversion in the comments.

Jesse