When you were younger, you may have thought to yourself that when you hit the twenty-something mark you would most likely be living on your own with an important job, a comfy and picturesque apartment, and that dreamy and perfect boyfriend on the brink of an over the top proposal.
Then suddenly you’re no longer twelve, and your twenty-fourth birthday rolls around. You find yourself living in the same room you snuck out of in high-school and what about that boyfriend? You’re not even sure if it’s possible to remotely care for someone after the six-month mark. You tell yourself to keep cool…but at the same time moving back in with your parents doesn’t feel that “cool”. Here’s ways to deal with sharing your space with your now potentially bored and over involved parents:
1) Find comfort in the fact that you’re not alone! According to the Pew Research Center there’s a higher percentage of young adults aged 25 to 34 living with their parents than at any time since the early 1950s. Hello people, we are in the boomerang generation- moving back in is pretty much the hip new thing to do, right? At least you don’t have to be like Lena Dunham as Hanna, the main character in the HBO series Girls, desperately trying to find your way sofa surfing in NYC. Because in reality the real Lena, as the writer of the show, wrote most of the series while living at home with her mom and dad. And who doesn’t want to be best friends with Lena Dunham?
2) Set Boundaries. Expect to be treated like an adult, but in turn also act like an adult. Don’t let your mom set your curfew, but also don’t expect her to be doing your laundry and pouring your cornflakes every morning. Talk about everything in the beginning so it’s clear about what it will take to gain mutual respect and understanding.
3) Use it as an opportunity to get closer with your parents. The ages of high school rebellion are in the past, and now that you’re an adult that constant battle for independence should have dissipated. Use this as a time to rebuild a relationship with the people who put up with your nuisances for all these years. Spend quality time with your parents, share a bottle of wine at dinner and get to know them as equals.
4) Save don’t splurge. Living at home should substantially reduce your expenses, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to empty your wallet on that new Marc Jacobs clutch or iphone5. Remember, you are living at home for a reason! Use this as an opportunity to save up money and build a financial groundwork
5) Get a hobby. Use this time as an excuse to take up a new hobby that allows you to get away from the house. Sign up for yoga classes or start training for a marathon. The more active and busy you keep yourself the happier you will be with yourself and in turn, with your living situation.
6) Remind yourself that you’re blessed to even have this option. Many young adults don’t have a supportive family that they can cruise back to when times are hard. Count your blessings!
