I have great parents who I always thought could do no wrong and were always supportive- until recently. I have heard that parents never really want their kids to grow up, but at the same time are constantly thinking "oh, just grow up!". It is a constant struggle- for me, and I think for most daughters (probably a lot of sons, too!)

I have my master's degree and work in a non-profit making mediocre salary. My parents are often times wishing I would do more with it- never mind that I love my job. "But where are you going to go from there?" "But when are you going to have kids" "Are you still going to work if you do?" So that is a lose-lose for me. My husband does not have a college degree- he is a passionate musician- if he could, he would love to make it a career, even if part-time. Or he is looking into parks and rec jobs, cable installation, airport jobs, etc- "where will he go from there?" "is that stable?"- again, nevermind that he (we) are happy- and that I would rather be the type of person who maybe isn't wealthy but does something that makes them happy.

Anyways, it really puts a distance in the last few years as I try to grow up and rely less on their approval- I know they just want the best for me, as most parents do, but I certainly have not mastered it and it makes me feel really bad about myself and what I otherwise would be proud of. But I constanly hear her voice in my head. It makes me question EVERYTHING.

I'm sorry you are going through this- please PM me anytime.