It's so strange the hold that our parents have on us...I guess it's not strange, because of the bond we naturally have with them. But it's frustrating when they make us feel bad even though we know it's irrational. Just an emotional thing that's hard to control.

But you're in your mid-twenties now, and you're your own person. You seem to know this already, but, just to reassure you, you can do what you want with your life. Your Mom's parenting days are up.

It's tough, I know...I'm 31 and my Mom still gives my anxiety bigtime when she lays on a guilt trip. But try to focus on such situations from a rational point of view, not an emotional one...it's the best way to feel better.