At what point did you stop seeking your parents approval? When I moved out, 13 years ago aged...

Was probably 25 or so when concern for approval fell by the way side and they allowed me to live my life without trying to run it. My in-laws have been a different experience re respecting boundaries.

My parents are both good people, dedicated parents. I respect them and the lives they have led. So I do hope I'm living to the standards they raised me to hold and that they are proud of who I am today.

SwampFlower · 31-35, F

After I got married and had kids. I still appreciate my dad’s wisdom on some things, but this is my home to run. It really sunk in for me once I had young ones that I was responsible for.

LadyBronte · 61-69, F

I don't know that I ever did completely while they were living. But I'm not sure you could call it "seeking approval" as much as it was just living to be someone they could be proud of. But in answer to your question, I guess I'd have to say it ended when they both passed away even though I still carry a lot if their values, today.

Pianoman · 26-30, M

As you say, once we fly the nest, we live life on our own terms and don't really look for approval from our parents or anyone much. I suppose that it depends on how close you were/are to your parents, and the circumstances that led you to leave home in the first place. Once relations sour , they rarely come right again in my exlerience.

bijouxbroussard · F

I finished school, moved out, had my own income and was completely self-reliant at age 20, 45 years ago.

As soon as I could, I repaid what my parents had given me towards my college education. They never asked that of me, but it was important to me that I could do it.

Since that time, whenever my parents have expressed pride in my accomplishments, that has made me very happy, but I’ve never had to change how I was living my life in order for them to say so.

My independence allowed our relationship to evolve into a friendship, for which I’ve been grateful.