It's the end of the year. You're used to your daily schedule as a college student: eat, sleep, study, sleep more. Now that the year is over, well, there are changes headed your way. Here are 10 things I observed when I finally had to pack up my things and head back to the nest.
1) There is at least one day of peace.
One day. I counted one day before I was bombarded with questions, chores, and "where are you going?"'s. The 24-hour calm before the storm will end, so be prepared with answers, will power, and the strength to tell them for the 15th time that you're going to a friend's house.
2) Your room is now a storage facility.
Remember your room how you left it? Clean floors, summer clothing stacked in the dresser, vanity organized? Guess what! It's now replaced by wall-to-wall cardboard boxes and Christmas decorations. Since you were away, Ma and Pa gave your room the surprise renovation you never wanted.
3) The neighborhood is the same... Eh, well, kinda.
New neighbors, old neighbors, and that one creepy old man who's an ex-cop and says he is "surveillance." You'll see some old faces and some new, and some faces that aren't there. Whether they moved, grew up, or passed away, there will most likely be a difference in your neighborhood, good or bad.
4) Speaking of old faces, be prepared to see some before you go out on the town.
The local bar is the #1 place to see people you've missed and some you definitely have not. Most likely 60% of your high school acquaintances will be there, so be prepared to make some awkward eye contact or to just bail at the sight of a few you can't stomach.
5) PRO: your mom is still a good cook.
Though living at home can be excruciating, Mom definitely makes it worth it when she throws down in the kitchen. Homemade meals (which are FREE btw) are a great way to compensate for the questionnaire from #1.
6) LOGIC DOES NOT EXIST AT THE DINNER TABLE.
It doesn't matter how much you debated in the classroom or how many political science papers you wrote (which you aced), Dad will always have the upper hand at voicing his opinion - sometimes too much. It seems that no matter how logical and thought out the subject is, the father is always right, especially about the upcoming presidential election.
7) You can't wake up at 4 in the afternoon with pants off anymore.
Not only are you asked a bunch of questions on your life, your parents are once again your new alarm clock. When your parents wake up is when you wake up. Get ready for 6 a.m. yoga with Dawn that you're not even going to!
8) Your parents' hobbies are now your hobbies.
Now that you're back home, you're up to date with the series finales of Downton Abbey, The Good Wife, and all the other shows your mom puts you through. Not to mention Billy Crystal's autobiographical audio book, which your parents listened to with the volume at 50.
9) You have to let your parents know their new roles.
When you go home, you need to let your parents know that you are an adult, and that they cannot stay in the role of total control. Your parents are now here to guide you, not to direct what you do. Communicate your feelings and let them know that you're not in your Barbie pajamas anymore. You're now wearing Victoria's Secret and you ain't having none of that.
10) Even though living with your parents sucks, life's better with them than without them.
There will come a time when Ma and Pa won't be there to annoy, feed, or fight with you. That moment might come too soon. So cherish the new hobbies, awkward confrontations, and unrest while you can. You'll miss it when it's gone.
