We all know what it's like coming home for the holidays, finally escaping cafeteria food and dorm-style living, and trading it in for Mom's signature casserole and sleeping in your own bed again, this time with no roommate. Coming home is what kept you sane during finals, saying to yourself, "after this, I get to go home". But if you know this wondrous feeling of finally returning back to your roots, you also know what happens next, when you realize you and your parents have a lot less in common than you thought.

First things first, we need to establish one thing: this is completely normal. While not everyone may feel this way coming home, it's much more common than you think. But how do you know this is happening? Well, there are symptoms. These may include (but are not limited to): arguing about curfew, getting upset when being asked to do chores, becoming annoyed when your Mom needs to know every single person you'll be hanging out with that night, and multiple lectures on how you need to be more responsible.

So why is this happening? Well, here's the cold, hard truth: when you left for college this summer, your parents were used to being parents. They are accustomed to having rules, that's all they know how to do when it comes to you. So when you left for college, you learned how to live on your own, be independent, and find a specific routine and lifestyle that fit you, and only you. It's no one's fault, but you guys have been without each other for so long, you simply forgot how much you all have changed in the last few months since you saw each other.

Let's get real, this will eventually happen to most everyone returning home for the holiday season. So now you need to figure out how to manage this, or else you'll be dealing with curfew debates and arguments over dishes until the new year passes. To be honest, that doesn't exactly sound like the best way to spend a month at home. Talk it out with Mom and Dad, explain that you've been on your own for so long that you've learned to take care of yourself. But remember that this is their house, and some rules may need to be followed. Finding common ground is key to making this break manageable for both of you.

This was the break you dreamt about during finals, don't ruin it by arguing with your parents, especially since you're both technically right on this one. Find that balance that won't make you miserable for a month. Chances are, since your parents trusted you enough to experience college by yourself, they'll give you a little space when it comes to your freedom this holiday break. You got this guys, I believe in you.