Speaking for millennials, many of us are at the point in our lives now where we are aren't living in our familial homes anymore, whether that's because we're away at college or because we've permanently moved into our own places. We are making our way into full-fledged adulthood (or are at least trying to.)

We take on more responsibility each and every day, adopting more of our own bills, working more hours and making more life-affecting career choices. We're growing up. It's scary, but it's a reality.

For many, this means slowly becoming more distant with our families. We don't see them as much as we used to. We're busy. We have work or school or other engagements. Naturally, that comes with getting older. Your focus tends to shift from your parents and siblings to yourself and your life choices.

However, I feel like there is a societal expectation that, as we grow older, we have to push ourselves away from our families. It feels as though life is portrayed as a race to go from child to teenager to completely self-sufficient adult who goes to their family for nothing as fast as we can.

Why is our society so obsessed with growing apart from our parents so swiftly? What is so terrible about maintaining contact with your mom or dad on a daily basis?

I live away at college. I've studied abroad. I am all for gaining independence by leaving your comfort zone, which includes leaving home. It's really the best way to become independent. You have to see what's out there in the world, beyond your little bubble. Earth is an expansive place that needs to be explored.

But, at the same time, I am the epitome of a mama's girl. I love having my mom's opinion on a lot of the things I do. I frequently go to my mom for advice when I need it. I love calling my mom to tell her about my day.

When some kid on campus or one of my professors is irritating me, I love texting her about it. We talk a lot. In fact, if we don't talk for a day, I assume something is wrong and I text her about it.

I don't feel weird about being an independent person while simultaneously maintaining close contact with my mom. They coexist quite nicely for me. I endeavor on these amazing journeys and then tell her all about them.

So why this societal push to sever ties with your parents as soon as you leave the house? Why isn't communication with family members as valued as it should be?

Look, if you don't talk to your parents or other family members because you don't want to, I completely understand. Don't force yourself to do anything you don't want to do. You have to do what makes you happy. But choose not to call them because you don't want to call them, not because you feel like it's weird if you do.

There is nothing remotely abnormal about a 20-something calling their mom, dad, sibling or other family member on a daily basis. If you want to call them, then please, call them. This strange societal push to alienate yourself from your family is what's abnormal.

As with many things, don't let an expectation from society dictate how you choose to live your life. Hey, if you don't want to call your parents or other family members simply because you don't want to, that's totally fine. But similarly, if you want to call your loved ones back home every day to tell them what's going on, that's just fine too. It doesn't define your independence and doesn't make you a homesick baby.

Growing up and losing your familial ties are not necessarily synonymous. You can still go around adulting while calling your family member at the same time and it's not weird. Like everything else in life, you have to do what makes you happy.

If that entails you calling up Mom or Dad when you get home from work to vent to them about your terrible new coworker, then by all means, do it. You're not any less of an adult because you did.