3 Times Your Parents Continue To Save Your Ass In Your 20s
It is easy to take parents for granted. Everyone is guilty of it, and while it may seem shameful, it happens to the best of us. Truth is, when you are used to having someone in your life like parents, full of support and generosity, it's easy to forget just how great they are.
Growing up, I have always seen myself as a very independent person. I basically created the phrase, “I don’t need no man.” Well, maybe that phrase, but with better grammar.
This, of course, always gave my parents a run for their money. Whether it was learning to tie my shoes, pour my own milk (which usually ended up on the floor), or even, to this day, figuring out bills and school forms, I always would snap at them with an "I can do it myself," despite their trying efforts to assist me.
However, moving off a college campus and into my first apartment this year has given me a good ol’ slap in the face. With no school cafeteria meal plan to rely on, no school nurse to run to or the inability to leave for class two minutes until the start time, I was in for a rude awakening.
As it turned out, I need my parents way more than I thought I did.
1. Cooking
This has become a major issue in my house. When I first moved in, I thought cooking would be fun. "Finally, a kitchen of my very own," I would tell myself.
HA. Yeah, right. Measuring, heating, questioning if it's pink or not, expiration dates, seasoning, the list can go on forever. These are the things that haunt my mind while I cook.
On the occasion that I do prepare an actual meal a week, you better believe I call home asking a million and one questions on what to do. The risk of salmonella poisoning is at an all-time high for me.
2. Finances
The next time you frown at someone for not donating money to charity at the super market, ask yourself if he or she has children. Let's face it: We are our parents' personal charity cases, one they have been donating money to for 18-plus years now.
Take a look around; many of the things we own were because Mom and Dad either helped us in some way by providing the cash, or gave it to us.
Despite having a job of my own now, I still look to my parents for financial assistance, and I am eternally grateful for all the help they have offered to me.
For richer or for poorer, they have some experience under their belts, so don't hesitate to ask for some advice on how to make money of your own. Despite wanting to figure it out by yourself, save the eye roll and just ask. Chances are they are biting at the bit waiting to share with you.
3. Moral Support
This may not be parent specific, but it can certainly be family specific. The definition of family much reminds me of the wedding vows, “Through the good times and the bad times, through sickness and health.” Family is always there for you.
Whether you get along or fight all of the time, there is always something to be taken away from it. Lessons can be learned on how to deal with situations; minds can be opened to different points of view. What I'm trying to say is, even when it seems like no one is getting along with you or has your back, something can be taken away from those moments.
It may not always seem that way, but it is true that parents have your best interest at heart. So, tell them you love them or give them one of those nods that say, “Hey, thank you.” Chances are, they would appreciate that.
