Hi Angie --

I'm not qualified to answer as a "mother" -- and I'm a middle-aged daughter. My mother was very formal when I was growing up. When I was in college -- probably sharing boyfriend problems -- she asked me not to confide in her, explaining, "You're from the let-it-all-hang-out generation. I'm from the stiff-upper-lip generation. You want me to respect your values, now I'm asking you to respect mine."

So personal sharing -- no, that's been at a minimum, though it has gotten better as I've gotten older.

To the point that my research has involved "cultural studies" I can say this:

Television seems to have broken down barriers between what some sociologists call "front stage" and "back stage" life. We see this in tell-all talk shows and "reality" TV where nothing is private and personal anymore. The portable camera has brought the public eye where it used not to be able to go -- literally. When one had to set up heavy cameras on podiums, large lights, and miles of cables to film something, the preparations ensured that what was captured on film was "staged."

Or, if you are familiar with the early years of Hollywood, "stars" never went out without their makeup. Rock Hudson married a studio secretary to hide his gayness from the public. The press corps did not reveal JFK's sexual peccadilloes.

This breakdown between "front stage" and "back stage" -- or public and private -- has extended into the family. Matters that used to be deemed "too sensitive" or innappropriate for young ears are now all out in the open. As well, society has become increasingly informal as front stage/back stage breaks down.

The high divorce rate also has changed relationships between parents and children. Many of the television programs reflect, I think, this openness between parents and children. Certainly it seems to me that young adults are more adult, responsible, and cynical than I was at a similar age. However, I was very sheltered by strict parents even for the late 1950s-early 60s.

And boy did I rebel, but that's another story.

In sum, Angie, I can't tell what"s normal. And I'm not sure that anyone knows. Society has been changing very rapidly amidst the technological changes, and in my opinion, the dust hasn't settled yet.