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Getty Images/iStockphotoAh, parents — those lovable, sometimes frustrating humans who shaped us into the people we are today.
While we cherish the good times and appreciate their love, there are certain quirks and habits they have that, even years later, can still grate on our nerves. Here are some of those enduring parental annoyances that continue to amuse and exasperate us.
1. They compare you to other people’s children.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re 30 or 60, your parents always seem to know someone whose child is doing it better than you. “Sarah just got promoted to CEO,” or “David bought a house before he turned 25.” While they might think it’s motivating, it usually just makes you feel inadequate.
2. They offer unsolicited advice.
You’re an adult, perfectly capable of making your own decisions. Yet, your parents can’t resist chiming in with their two cents on everything from your career choices to your dating life. It’s like they have a built-in advice dispenser that never runs out of batteries.
3. They criticise your life choices.
Whether it’s your fashion sense, your taste in music, or your decision to live in a tiny flat instead of a suburban Mc Mansion, your parents always have an opinion. They might think they’re just being helpful, but their constant critiques can be disheartening.
4. They treat you like a child.
You might be a responsible adult with a job, a family, and a mortgage, but to your parents, you’ll always be their little baby. They might offer to cut your food, nag you about wearing a jacket, or try to dictate your bedtime. It’s sweet, but also a little infantilising.
5. They worry excessively.
Did you forget to call them back right away? They’re probably envisioning you in a ditch somewhere. Are you running a little late? They’re already calling the hospitals. Their constant worrying can be endearing, but it can also be exhausting to constantly reassure them that you’re not in imminent danger.
6. They pry into your personal life.
“Are you dating anyone?” “When are you getting married?” “When are you going to give us grandchildren?” These are just a few of the questions your parents might ask, even though you’ve made it clear that you prefer to keep your personal life private. Their curiosity can feel invasive and disrespectful of your boundaries.
7. They guilt-trip you.
Your parents are experts at making you feel guilty, even if you haven’t done anything wrong. They might guilt you about not visiting often enough, not calling them every day, or not living up to their expectations. Their guilt trips can be manipulative and emotionally draining.
8. They try to live vicariously through you.
Source: Unsplash Your parents might have had dreams and aspirations that they never fulfilled. Now, they’re trying to live vicariously through you. They might push you to pursue a career they always wanted or try to steer you towards their hobbies and interests. Their pressure can be suffocating and prevent you from forging your own path.
9. They hoard unnecessary items.
Their attic is overflowing with old newspapers, broken appliances, and clothes they haven’t worn in decades. They refuse to throw anything away, claiming it might be useful “someday.” Their hoarding habits can be frustrating, especially if you’re the one who ends up having to clean out their house when they’re gone.
10. They tell embarrassing stories about your childhood.
Remember that time you peed your pants at the grocery store? Or the time you had a meltdown at the zoo because you dropped your ice cream cone? Your parents love to reminisce about these moments, much to your chagrin. It’s like they have a mental highlight reel of your most awkward childhood experiences.
11. They give backhanded compliments.
“You look nice…for your age.” “That dress would be flattering…if you lost a few pounds.” Your parents might mean well, but their backhanded compliments can be hurtful and undermine your self-esteem. It’s like they can’t resist adding a little sting to their praise.
12. They meddle in your relationships.
Your parents always have an opinion about your significant other, even if they’ve only met them once. They might try to sabotage your relationship by pointing out their flaws or encouraging you to date someone “more suitable.” Their meddling can be frustrating and disrespectful of your autonomy.
13. They constantly remind you of your flaws.
Your parents have an uncanny ability to remember every mistake you’ve ever made. They might bring up your bad grades in high school, your failed relationship in college, or that time you accidentally crashed their car. Their constant reminders of your past failures can be demoralising and make you doubt yourself.
14. They try to control your finances.
Even if you’re financially independent, your parents might still try to control your spending habits. They might lecture you about saving for retirement, criticise your splurges, or offer to “help” you manage your money. Their attempts to control your finances can be patronising and undermine your financial autonomy.
15. They have outdated views.
Your parents grew up in a different time, and their views on social issues might not align with yours. They might make insensitive comments about race, gender, or sexuality, or express outdated opinions about politics and current events. Their views can be frustrating and create tension in your relationship.
16. They refuse to apologise.
Even when they’re clearly in the wrong, your parents might refuse to apologise. They might deny their wrongdoing, deflect blame onto you, or simply change the subject. Their unwillingness to take responsibility for their actions can be hurtful and damaging to your relationship.
