Dear Mum and Dad,
First of all, I just wanted to re-assure you both that yes, I am looking forward to being at home next year. I can’t wait for that comfort that comes from knowing we’ll be having a roast dinner every single Sunday. I can’t wait to have people to rant to after a difficult day, without being worried about them calling me annoying (you’re my parents, it’s your job to listen). And I really can’t wait for there always to be a fully-stocked alcohol fridge ready and waiting for me on a Friday night.
But there are some rules that I think need laying down before I fly back into the nest.
- My room is my room – Yes Mum, I’m talking to you. While I’ve been away, my bedroom door has always been open for you to flit and out whenever you like. But when I’m back home this just can’t happen. The door is probably closed for a reason!
- You have to let me party – You’ve got to realise that I’m not going to just drop my student ways straight away. I can’t just go cold turkey and be in bed by 9:30 at the weekends when I’m still young and able to hack jagerbombs and shake off a hangover relatively easily. I’m going to go out and get drunk, please deal with it.
- I have my own life – When I’m at university I don’t see you texting and calling me every hour to find out what I’m up to, where I’m going and who I’m with. We talk a couple of times a week and that’s that. So when I’m home, please please please don’t be checking up on me all the time. You’re both allowed to worry, but please chill. If I say I’m going for a coffee with Rachel from school, that’s not some secret code for I’m going out to meet a 45 year-old man from Tinder.
- Pizza is ok – Sometimes I just have those days where all I want is endless amounts of pizza and garlic sauce. I’m really sorry that you’re on a diet but for the past three years I’ve been deciding what I’m having for dinner, and if I want pizza then I’ve just got to have it. Don’t worry though, I’ll leave you a piece in the fridge each for when that courgetti doesn’t quite hit the mark.
- I need my sleep – The likelihood is that this year I’ll be working long hours and all that slogging away means that I’ll be needing my sleep more than ever. I completely understand that being middle-aged means you don’t sleep as well as you used to but unfortunately for us all, I’m still a bed-loving sloth. A dog walk at 9am on a Sunday? Maybe next week, Dad.
Having said all that, I think it would be a good idea to tell you that I also promise to do my absolute best to be a good daughter and respect your rules too. I feel really lucky to be living at home rent-free while I find my feet next year and I couldn’t think of a better bunch of people to do it with. We’ll have our ups and downs, it’s just inevitable. But if nothing else, I’m going to try my best to remember that you guys would never steal my milk or leave dishes on the bench for five plus days.
Love you both,
A grateful yet apprehensive daughter xo
Photo and Media Sources
http://68.media.tumblr.com/c7558fcc1aec997dba7f50f30f6b70d6/tumblr_inlin…
https://media1.giphy.com/media/3o85xnjhYXCOoINQmA/giphy.gif
https://media0.giphy.com/media/IxPDc96oRya6A/giphy.gif
https://media0.giphy.com/media/xTiTnfF6WtvfFnX8K4/giphy.gif
https://media4.giphy.com/media/OAdi2wrCP4Ai4/200.webp#15-grid1
https://media1.giphy.com/media/3o7btXJrqLo5bbtQDm/200.webp#3-grid1
https://media1.giphy.com/media/7IrtGOyJy3I9W/200w.webp#27-grid1