Disrespectfully sad

I just read an article on MSN (courtesy of Happen magazine) that recounted frustrations of single adults living with their parents and trying to date. The complaints ranged from "my parents are too nosy" to "they won't let my partner sleep over." The kicker is that the advice the "experts" were giving was so offensive I couldn't believe they were actually printing it as advice. I can't believe some egocentric people actually have the gall to say these things to the people paying the rent.

Here's one response suggested by a so-called-expert "You're going to have to look at me as a responsible adult who can make smart decisions for herself. What do you think I was doing when I was living on my own?"

The key part of that statement is "when I was living on my own." News flash! You aren't living on your own. Not only are you not living on your own, you aren't paying the bills. So let's talk responsible when you are actually responsible, got it?! Until then whatever seems unfair is strictly perspective and irrelevant.

Here's another one: "Since Gabriel finds it hard to be romantic with his parents around, he should try to negotiate with his parents to find time when he can have the house to himself, perhaps every other weekend."

How about he has the house to himself every weekend, and every weekday, by buying the house and paying the bills himself! Is this "expert" really suggesting that he try to dictate when the homeowner goes away for the weekend? The parents are already giving this guy a roof over his head, should they move out on the street so he can be comfortable? Where would you be if your parents weren’t still alive?

I have nothing against adults living with their parents for a time when life smacks you in the face and you are out of options. We had to do it for a time ourselves when I lost my job and we moved across state. I have nothing against adults living with parents to help care for them either. However, thinking you can move in with your parents, without paying the bills, and then dictate anything outside of your bedroom is madness. Even within your "own" bedroom has its limitations. For future reference, kids, don’t try this at home.