7 Things I Want To Tell My Parents Before I Turn 30

Ahhhh, parents. The two people whose love gave you life. But they're parents and it can be, well, embarassing to talk to them about some things. Either that or you just don't have that kind of relationship where you feel comfortable talking to them about everything and anything.

In my family, there are things I deem "appropriate" to talk about with the parentals ... and there are things I keep to myself, even though I really, really want to tell them.

Here are 8 of those things:

1. I won't always be around to help you with tech stuff.

Mom and Dad, I love you both, but you really need to create your own Apple ID and password soon. I swear it’s safe. I think it would be easier for all three of us if you don’t call me every time you want to download a new app and you need my password. 

2. I haven’t learned to cook yet.

I know that I should start learning how to feed myself (besides rice and instant noodles). And yes, I can't live on pizza and Chinese take-out forever. But you both are such excellent cooks that I fear your disappointment (and judgement) if I somehow, well, suck.

Not to mention, with your high cholesterol, Mom, and your diabetes, Dad, I worry. What if I add too much salt? Or sugar? Or worse .. what if I burn the whole freaking house down? (It’s a legitimate fear; I'm that bad.)

3. I’m sorry I was such a spoiled brat.

I’m an only child, but I know that that’s no excuse for thinking the world revolved around me. Dad, I'm sorry I embarassed you when I decided to throw a tantrum and roll on the floor in the middle of the department store when you told me I couldn’t have that stuffed duck (and now that I think about it, I don’t even like that duck anymore.)

And mom, I'm sorry for the shame I caused when I rolled around on the church floor at auntie's wedding when I decided I was tired and didn’t want to be there anymore. Basically, sorry for ages two to 16.

4. I need you to stop protecting me from the evils of "the real world." 

People are not always nice, things will go wrong, and I might get hurt. I get it. But the only way to really help me navigate "the real world" is to let me get out there and experience it for myself. Let me explore, make mistakes and learn from them. Besides, you’ve taught me right from wrong all my life. Trust me to trust you.

5. I also need you to (politely) back out of my love life. 

Yes, we broke up once (for a day) and got back together, but that doesn't mean he doesn't love me (no, he doesn't have another woman; where do you get this stuff?) I know your parental instincts warn you that our problems as a couple are mostly because of him, but realize that a. you're biased and b. there's two of us in the relationship.

Just like you guys, we have disagreements, and just like you guys, we always try to work it out. And I promise that if (emphasis on "if") he does end up breaking my heart, you are welcome to tell me, "I told you so."

6. I appreciate everything you do.

I know it’s cliche but you sacrificed so much to give me a roof over my head, food on my plate, and an education to boot. I also appreciate the fact that even though I'm a college graduate now, you haven't kicked me out yet. (Emphasis on "yet.") You’re both rockstars. 

7. I love you.

Another cliche, but I actually don’t remember the last time I told you both, out loud, that I love you. I know there were times when we've disagreed on many things (from my clothes to choice of a boyfriend to well, basically, everything during age 16) and yes, I was childish enough to give you both the silent treatment. But that doesn’t mean I love you any less.

You’re my parents and I know that if everybody else were to leave me, you two would always stay.