How to Happily Live with Your Parents

I never thought I would move in with my parents again. The first 18 years were bad enough, I say as a joke, sort of... I returned home after 3 years on my own, I went back into the world, I moved around from city to state, until I was just exhausted, confused and home sick. I no longer knew who I was, and I felt the need to be with my parents. I packed up and made the 900+ mile journey back home.

My mom was glad to see me, and a good sport about it. She didn't mind the one day notice, or that I arrived on her doorstep at a little after midnight. She happily listened to my tales, and tolerated my semi bitter attitude. She gave me cookies, and hugged me before heading off to bed. My dad, on the other hand, was quiet, and sulking. He knew his 26 year old daughter had returned, again, to take over his house.

I wanted to stay with friends, and I did, I came "home" once a week or so, for about three months. Enough to annoy my dad, and not enough to please my mom. I know they had every right to be annoyed, I was 26, unemployed, and I was strange. I had grown into an adult, I came home changed in many ways.
One night, after an extended absence, my mom said " You live here, or you don't. Okay? I have barely seen you in years, literally years, then you are here, but never here." So I moved in for real, I started staying at their house, I found a part time job, and started getting back to real life. Within time, I started my own small business, and I started publishing a lot of my writing. I became self sufficient, I started saving money to get my own apartment.

Guess what? My parents were furious with me. " You are here too often. I don't like you working from home. Get a real job," and so on . I really wanted to be independent again, I started seeking out a home of my own, in the area. Things were looking promising, until I feel, and badly broke my arm and wrist in several places. I had no insurance. My parents were kind enough to say " Your health comes first, then your own apartment. Take care of your arm, and go from there." So I continued living with them. It was comfortable.

Moving back home is a catch 22. It is so hard to stay, but you don't really want to leave either. Who doesn't love seeing their parents every day?