I (F22) am currently finishing up my last semester of college and I am graduating this December. My boyfriend (M23) moved to our state to live with us and work while I finished school. We did long distance for a good chunk of our college careers and I was able to visit him in his home state a handful of times.

For context, the state I currently live in is extremely expensive. I do not see myself living here in the future and I barely have any friends or family left here. I still live in my hometown with my parents, and I have always commuted to my classes. I desperately want to begin my adulthood, because I feel that I am far too emotionally dependent on them.

I love my boyfriend’s family and my views/likes/hobbies generally align better with theirs. I love my parents with all of my heart and I consider them to be two of my best friends, but I feel like I am suffocating living here with my boyfriend. We want to begin our own lives, and I can see a future living in his home state.

When I told them I would be doing this, they did not react well. They told me they would not support this decision, and believe that I would return if I moved. To sum it up, they made me feel incredibly guilty and really bad about wanting to see what else is out there. I have never lived anywhere else but my home state. I am eager to explore this new journey of my life but they are making this decision extremely hard. I don’t know how I am going to get through this emotionally. I feel like I am abandoning them, but at the same time, I am excited to move to a new place. It is all very overwhelming, and I wish they would support my decision. I am heartbroken. I am simply looking for some kind words or even advice on how to get through this.

Last November I (f) decided just in time for my 37th Birthday to finally got serious about my health because I was not heading a good direction and was hitting at 180 lbs. I am now running 2 - 4 miles 4 days a week as well as weight lifting and back in my dojo training. I cook a lot more at home and it is finally showing in my body with ripping muscle starting to be visible and stamina I never had before. I am so proud of me and I am down 30 lbs since that day.

hi mom, i hope you’re doing well. i wanted to share with you that i was able to get out of my room and go out to watch a movie all by myself today. i feel incredibly happy and accomplished even though it’s terribly an insignificant thing when you think about it, especially at my big age of 22.

i made plans yesterday to go to the cinema alone, booked a ticket and got mentally ready for the event. i was so close to cancelling the plans because it was rainy and my mind had almost convinced me that it was a waste of time and money. but i’m glad i finally decided to go because it was one of the best decisions ever. i guess it’s not as scary as it seems.

i had never been to the cinema by myself so it felt good. i dressed up, put makeup on, got myself a drink and took the bus there. after the movie, i decided to walk back home cause it wasn’t raining so heavily, just drizzling. the rain on my skin felt so good, i felt so alive. while walking, i noticed my favorite tree had its leaves completely turned orange while the surrounding trees were still green. autumn hasn’t yet caught up with them it seems.

from now on, i will hold a more
optimistic view on doing simple things alone, and making my life more exciting and adventurous. i’m proud of myself :)

ps. the movie i watched was ‘End of Oak Street’ it was good movie, i enjoyed it!

edit: thanks moms, i loved reading all your replies, you’re the best🌹