AITAH for not wanting to move back in with parent
I 23 M, am an engineering student graduating in May. I’m studying at a college far from my hometown and I have been living with two of my friends for the past 4 years.
I recently secured a job offer in my hometown that will be enough to pay for a room with a couple of roommates who are some of my closest friends. Unfortunately, my mom has been having issues dealing with this as she wants me to move back in with her and my two younger siblings.
Some important context to consider; I have two siblings, one is in college currently and one is turning 12 next summer. My father passed away a couple of years ago and my mom has often looked at me to act in his place as the “man” of the family. She expects me to act like a father to my siblings when I am just not ready for that kind of responsibility. When I go back for breaks I often find myself having to deal with things that I’m simply not interested in doing and I honestly prefer living with my friends a lot more.
Its weird having to describe it in words but I feel like I’m at a point in my life where I need to have my own space and be able to dictate my schedule and what I do myself without having to worry about the house and my parent’s expectation of me.
It may seem as if I’m being selfish but my mom is known to be uptight and a perfectionist in everything. Having to deal with it can be exhausting when I’m constantly asked to put the needs of others above my own.
I realize me moving back in will benefit my sibling and my mom but I only get one life and I don’t want to spend it sacrificing and paying with my mental health forever. It’s tough being in this position, talking about it with my mom is difficult as she feels very strongly and I dont have anyone else to talk to about such a sensitive topic. I feel like there’s no right answer.
