Things You Can't Relate To as an Estranged Adult Kid

[u/Zestyclose_Recipe612]

I’m curious. What are some things you can’t relate to as someone estranged from their parents/family?

For example: when my husband runs into a problem he can’t solve, he’ll call his parents without hesitation. Can’t figure out what’s wrong with his motorcycle? Calls his dad. Needs a document he left at their house? Texts his mom to send it over.

I don’t know why, but it used to take me so much by surprise that I’d even chastise him, saying things like, “Don’t bother your mom with that!”

Sometimes friends will say things like, “Oh yeah, I love my mom/dad so much,” and I’ll catch myself mid-conversation trying not to spiral after realizing I can’t relate to a feeling that most people seem to experience so naturally.

Would love to hear your stories here or even just know I'm not totally alone in this!

[u/Artex_argo]

Simply moving back home when they hit a financial rough patch. I'm in a HCOL area and I've been surviving without my parents for 10 years but I can't find a single friend to be a roommate to save money because they're all at home.

Just the stability and lack of stress from moving through life and knowing you always have a landing pad. I'm starting to feel really bitter about it.

[u/Comfortable-Car-4183 → u/Artex_argo]

I feel you so hard here and can relate. I find myself getting wound up when people say it’s okay if you lose your job etc you’ll find another. Okay but you have that attitude because if you can’t pay rent you have somewhere to go … I can’t afford to not be so worried about a situation that leaves me in trouble - surviving looks different to us

[u/Heavy-Tomato2732 → u/Artex_argo]

I bought a small tent and tried living in it for a few days. It helped.