Blogger Priest

Question

I am in my twenties and having a difficult time with my mother. She is increasingly not respecting my personal space in our home.  She comes into my room unannounced. It is particularly disconcerting when I am getting cleaned up or dressing.  I have asked her to knock and to request permission.  Although I believe I am only asking her to respect my boundaries, she has become offended and has resorted to calling me names. I depend on my parents for transportation and I am looking for someone to turn to for assistance— there are very few people I know.

Response

As a young woman, you are certainly entitled to your privacy; but, more so, you should be treated as an adult and not as a child. Your education and work opportunities should be directed toward a personal autonomy. Your parents should also focus on this. However, families are not perfect and sometimes there are hindrances to maturation and even faith within the home. You can try dialogue with your mother, but there is no guarantee about how others will act. Growing up and breaking out is rarely easy. I would suggest keeping yourself grounded upon Christian faith and values. This is important as even the culture can lead us in the wrong direction.

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