Hi salukigirl,
My boyfriend actually talks to his parents every night when he's away in college. He always makes sure to call before they go to sleep so he can tell them all about his day hehe. So I think he's really close to his parents and his parents to him. They really care for each other. I truly do think it's because his parents want him to be successful first before taking on anything else such as relationship. It's a lot of work for both parties to put in a relationship, and I think the adults know that so well, that's why they discouraged kids from being involved too early in life.
It's okay really. I really can totally understand his situation 'cause my mom used to be SOOOO strict with me too. And my best friend's parents are strict with her too, except she doesn't have a boyfriend so she got nothing to worry about. I think it's an Asian thing haha.