Dear Filly,
My parents are really hard to deal with. They put a lot of pressure on me to conform to what they want, and because I still live at home, it’s hard to get away from that. I feel like I’m constantly disappointing them. How do I deal with the stress that this is causing?
Sincerely,
Struggling
Dear Struggling,
Parents are one of the hardest things to deal with as a student. It’s often hard for them to accept that you are now an adult, and that you are growing up and becoming who you are, many times becoming something different from what they expected you would be.
The best way to start is to be upfront with them. Sit down and have an honest conversation with them about how you’re feeling. Parents don’t always realize how they are making you feel, especially since they often tend to see us as their babies forever. Often, just a straightforward talk is exactly the remedy.
When you’re feeling down on yourself, always remember to lean on your friends and the people who do support you. Taking the time to remember how loved you are is often the best help.
Good luck!
Filly