Have you noticed that going home for the Spring Festival really seems to have a “seven-day rule”? In the first few days, your parents treat you like a treasure, but after a while they start complaining that you sleep too late and spend too much time on your phone.

That’s so true. When I first get home, I feel really relaxed. Someone cooks for me, someone washes my clothes. But after staying longer, little things like schedules, spending habits, and organizing stuff all turn into friction.

Exactly. Sometimes I just want to sit quietly for a while, but my family keeps asking me questions. On the surface it’s concern, but after a while it just feels exhausting.

That’s what many people call “mental rent,” I guess. It looks like you save on actual rent, but in reality you pay a lot in emotional cost. Adults especially need their own space.

And the most troublesome part is that parents always think you’re still a child. You want to arrange your own life, but they often think you’re not mature enough and can’t help interfering.

That’s why I increasingly feel that living independently is not just about moving out. It’s really the beginning of growing up. Even if it’s a bit hard, you gradually learn to take responsibility for yourself.

Hearing you say that, I understand too. What we really miss is the warmth of going home, but if you live together for a long time, affection alone isn’t enough. You also need boundaries.

Exactly. Keeping a proper distance from your parents doesn’t mean you’re not close. It’s so both sides can get along more easily, and so love can last longer.