Hey,
The following is something I've noticed alot, and wondered what people's opinions are on the matter.

I'm 15, and my mum and dad are undoubtedly my best friends. We're constantly messing about like friends do; Hugging, poking, sticking tongue out, ruffling hair, you name it. We've never had an argument between us, and if we disagree with something another says, we tell them rather than shout it out.
I consider myself extremely lucky to have such a pleasant family life.

But here's the thing; whenever I go out with mum, (dad's usually at work) It's no different. If we stand in a queue, I usually stand behind her and hang over her shoulders, hugging her (I'm tall), When we walk down the road, I'll often grab hold of her hand, If we're in a silly mood, we'll walk along side eachother and walk like in a three-legged race, without the ropes, And if I've been at a friend's, when she meets me in town to pick me up, I'll run up and jump hug her.
I don't see this as odd at all;
but mum and I have noticed that whenever we do such things in public, people look at us like we're mad.
We've even been at the bank, and whilst I was hugging her, the cashier said "mm, what does she want from you?" to mum.
I find it quite exasperating that people automatically assume I want something from my parents, purely because I'm showing affection!

Even certain professionals in the mental health service view our relationship as "too close"
Can you BE too close? I think not, personally.

Do you think our relationship is unusual?
Or is it how parent/child relationships should be, and that most families have become further apart, so can't comprehend or understand a close relationship with their child, so therefore automatically assume that a hug is a means of manipulation of some sort?

Your opinions would be much appreciated