My parents have completely transformed over the past few years. They are no longer strict parents, and are now really just loving people who care more about my welfare than anybody else.

A few examples:
1) When I was little, my parents constantly nagged me to not waste money. Don’t buy things for 52 cents if you can get it for 50. Now, they are more than happy to offer to buy me ridiculous things. Today, while out shopping, I pointed out a Coach bag that I really liked. My mom asked me how much I thought it cost … and I said probably $150 or $200. Her first reaction? If you want it, we’ll get it for you. Wow. Of course I said no … I felt guilty even wanting my parents to pay for something like that, almost as if I were trying to take advantage of their generosity. And now I am the one checking my buying habits and asking “Do I really need to spend that much money on a bag??”

2) I was really nervous before I told my parents about going to Ireland. I thought for sure that they would yell at me, say something like “why would you ever think to go to Ireland? Don’t you have research? School?” The reality … they didn’t object at all when I told them. They essentially said okay, call us before you leave, and call us after you get back. Have fun! Don’t forget your camera, and show us the pictures! Wow.

3) They have always, as long as I can remember, discouraged me from dating (don’t focus on boys, focus on schoolwork, don’t get too serious). Now I get dating talks. I got another one from my dad today, kinda cute, but also pretty awkward. He asked me, quite implyingly, what I thought of the guys in my department. I didn’t really know what to say, so I ended up trying to avoid the question and told him that since it’s grad school, lots of people are married anyway. His response? Oh okay, but you have to open your eyes wide, look all around you. Maybe this boy or that boy likes you, and you don’t even notice because you don’t give him the time of day. If you see someone you like, sometimes boys are clueless and they don’t realize it, and you have to give him some hints. WOW. I was speechless.

I guess I am glad that my parents so easily accepted my independence over the past few years. I am really thankful that they were able to let go and let me live my own life, unlike so many other obsessive Asian parents who can’t ever seem to let go. At the same time, though, I don’t think I’m quite ready yet to disclose to them the everyday details of my dating life!! Maybe they’re just worried about me …