Do you ask for your parents' permission in everything?
By Curlann
@annierose (21977)
United States
January 1, 2017 6:21am CST
My relationship with my mom has been bumpy since Christmas. One time we were in bad terms, then good, and now we are not in good terms again. It is because of the booking that I did in which I did not ask her permission. I never thought she will get mad this afternoon when I tell her I will travel with my boyfriend in Indonesia by the summer season. I felt sorry for not asking her permission, on the other hand, I think I am old enough to make decisions.
Just this afternoon after I washed the dishes, I went to my room to write an article for my blog. She got angry again and told me I am always in front of my computer doing stuff which is not good. I felt hurt by her remarks as I have been cleaning the house most of the time. Our house was clean but I clean it once again even there were really nothing to clean anymore.
Sometimes, I wish I just pursued my dream to work abroad even that will mean my mom will be left alone in the house. I thought she understands already that I want to travel but I was wrong.
15 people like this
15 responses
@Drosophila (16568)
• Ireland
1 Jan 17
As a rule of thumb, no. While I was living under my parents' roof, yes, I pretty much had to consult them in what I did, but that quickly ended with me going to university at 18.
From then onwards, I live fairly independently, all the decisions big or small are made by me, I only inform them after the fact. It's more for their information than their permission. They of course always give unsolicited advice which, I will sometimes pay attention to if it makes sense.
I think as parents it may take a while for them to realize that you're no longer their responsibility. So that they really don't need to account for your mistakes, problems etc.. in other words, they should just let go, and stop approving or disapproving your choices.
At the same time, they should really shift their focus back to their own lives, and see what they can do there to improve it. They really shouldn't hope to live their lives through you or that your relationship will fulfill all their hopes and wishes.
All in all best luck with your mum. It took my Dad like 10 years to let go, but he is happier for it.
3 people like this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
1 Jan 17
I hope so that my mom will one day understand me. Sometimes I wish that I could just move away.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@Drosophila I already told my boyfriend that I would like to resign from my job in the Philippines and go abroad to work there. I was hurt by my mom's words accusations. Perhaps this is the time that I live the life I wanted to.
1 person likes this
@Drosophila (16568)
• Ireland
1 Jan 17
@annierose you know, I don't think she will understand you given her current mindset, which is "parents always know the best, and as she only wants the best for you, you should just listen to her."
Unfortunately, when a parent thinks like this, they will not stop to try to understand you. To change this mindset, it could be an ongoing project. Good luck.
If you can move out, then I'd try living away for a bit and see how things turn out.
1 person likes this

@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
1 Jan 17
I'm sorry that you are having problems with your mom, but I think she is completely wrong to try to control your life. She should be encouraging you to be independent, to see the world.
Here is a quote from the Dalai Lama - "Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back to, and reasons to stay". My daughter posted that onto Facebook for me, and added her own words "That's what you gave me Mum, and why I still come home every year".
She lives on the other side of the world from me, and I wouldn't have dreamed of trying to clip her wings. We have a wonderrful relationship.
Another quote, from William Blake this time "He who binds to himself a joy, doth the winged life destroy".
3 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
1 Jan 17
at my age?hell no.
the shape my mother's in anyway,she's lucky if she knows what day it is.
2 people like this

@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@annierose 72.but a bad shape 72.
1 person likes this

@hereandthere (45628)
• Philippines
2 Jan 17
how many days will you be away? will your mother be home alone while you're gone?
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
2 Jan 17
I will just be away for a week. I thought my mom already understand me because sometimes I tell him my dream to travel all those visa-free countries. Sometimes I no longer understand her.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@hereandthere No. Just this time around because on my recent travel, my sister was still living with us.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45628)
• Philippines
2 Jan 17
@annierose so every time you travel, she's alone at home?
1 person likes this

@melissa1024 (2456)
• Beckley, West Virginia
2 Jan 17
When I was young I had to, but when I turned 18 hell no. I was an adult and made my own decisions and have stood on my own since. I may ask for her advice, some times I take it, sometimes I do not. Either way she respects my decision because I am grown and it is my life. I wish you luck in this situation.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@melissa1024 Thanks for this answer. I feel like I couldn't take my mom's judgment on me. It makes me think of leaving the country and just pursue what I just planned before which is to work abroad. It was cancelled last time because mom begged me not to, but this time I feel like I have to take a leap and live my life. I had been crying because I don't expect those words mom hit me this morning. It was heartbreaking.
1 person likes this
@melissa1024 (2456)
• Beckley, West Virginia
2 Jan 17
@annierose If you are of age you can do what you want and need no one permission and need to do what is best for you mentally and physically. I know she is your mother but you should not have to live that way.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@melissa1024 I am already on my 30's. I have been thinking of working abroad but just couldn't do because of mom. It is only me and her in the house and it breaks my heart thinking of leaving her here. Anyway, I know that my siblings will be with her and will take good care of her.
1 person likes this

@shaynas (5486)
• India
1 Jan 17
Its not about permission, but it's okay to tell them if we are planning something. That way, they feel their opinion matters to us. Specially moms, as they are more attached to kids.
Though i never asked for permission from my parents once i grew up, but i did tell them things i was planning or might do. I kind of knew what my parents won't mind and what they would, and never did things that would hurt their feelings :)
2 people like this
@youless (114117)
• Guangzhou, China
2 Jan 17
I know sometimes we all have different opinions with our parents. In fact both sides need to learn how to be understanding to each other. I agree that you are old enough to make your decision. And sometimes we don't need parents' permission but we just need their suggestion only. It is just a kind gesture we ask for their "suggestions". Actually no matter they approve it or not, we already made the decision at heart.
1 person likes this

@youless (114117)
• Guangzhou, China
2 Jan 17
@annierose I heard that sometimes women have that kind of age will be moody. Perhaps this is why your mom will act like this. I think my mom sometimes is the same. I just tolerate her most of the time. It is no need to argue with the elders because no matter how right you are, finally you will be wrong in their eyes.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@youless It breaks my heart thinking of leaving her with her age now. But, somehow maybe it is the best thing to do.
1 person likes this

@SIMPLYD (90717)
• Philippines
4 Jan 17
Maybe she got hurt by your not asking her permission first in travelling with your boyfriend , so that's why she's always irritable with you .
Have you apologized to her when she got angry for knowing that you will be travelling yet didn't ask her permission first .
The fact that you are living with her and she's your mother , you still have to tell her your plans whether she agrees or not . That way , she will still feel important in your life .
@cherigucchi (15934)
• Philippines
1 Jan 17
When I was younger I really did. But I could not tell that I did ask permission for almost everything.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
1 Jan 17
Yes, I also always asked their permission when I was a kid.
1 person likes this
@cherigucchi (15934)
• Philippines
1 Jan 17
@annierose I think most of us did the same thing.
1 person likes this

@annierose (21977)
• United States
1 Jan 17
@LadyDuck Thanks Anna. If you were with me and you did the same thing, will your parents act the same way?
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502194)
• Italy
1 Jan 17
@annierose My father was different, I could talk with him and explain what I wanted to do and why. My Mom has always been bossy, she still is now that she is 96.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@LadyDuck I think I still cannot travel if my dad is still alive. Both my mom and dad are very afraid to let go of me.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
4 Jan 17
It's tough sometimes with parents that are alone but you must think about your future as well and don't want to build resentment.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
4 Jan 17
@Marymargll I travelled last year and did not ask her permission. She did not say anything and I thought it was okay. Then, when she learned about my trip this year, she was in a rage. She said bad words to me and to my boyfriend. I did not tell my boyfriend about it as I don't want to create more problems.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
5 Jan 17
@MarymargII Thanks for the suggestion my friend. I just feel like I will always cry whenever I will try to talk to her.
1 person likes this
@MarymargII (12422)
• Toronto, Ontario
5 Jan 17
@annierose Perhaps you have to have a talk with her soon. Ask what's making her upset. Tell her ahead next time you plan to travel it may be the best thing to do! 

1 person likes this

@FayeHazel (40230)
• United States
5 Jan 17
Hm, it depends how old you are. If you're underage (here it's 18) then it may be good to tell beforehand of big plans. However if you're of legal age in your country then you are right - there is nothing wrong with being polite and telling her of your plans. Either way it sounds like she took it hard - I hope things improve.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
6 Jan 17
@FayeHazel Yes, she took it hard. She was very mad that she said things that hurt me a lot. Her judgments to me and to my boyfriend are something that I cannot forget up to now and I don't know if she has been sorry for saying those things. She is always like that whenever she gets angry. She just keep on saying words without considering its weight on us.
@atoz1to10 (6780)
• Australia
2 Jan 17
I think your mum is sad because she knows you are now out of her reach... She is losing you, and because of her not be able to share her feelings with you, she gets angry in everything you do. Go and give your mum a big hug and have a good mother daughter talk. I'm sure she will open up. Goodluck.
1 person likes this
@annierose (21977)
• United States
2 Jan 17
@atoz1to10 I am not sure of that. She already accused me of words I never thought would come out of her mouth.
@diosabella (4789)
•
1 Jan 17
That's pretty rough. I started college pretty early, I was 15 and for the first time in my life I was away from home. Since then I was independent. But I always tell my parents where am I going specially when out of town since if something happen.. Atleast, they know why Im there. I never really ask permission. And Mom would be like "Just keep safe". Whenever I come home, that's the time I ask permission. Maybe its not that your going out of the country shes against with. But maybe she doesnt like you vacationing with your boyfriend. Some parents are still strict with those.
1 person likes this
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
1 Jan 17
If you are an adult and hold a job, you are not answerable to your mother in that respect. You should be able to travel when you want and use your computer as you want. I think it's time you stood up for yourself.


















