As a kid, I have viewed my parents as my heroes. They are smart, successful and have always given me good advice when I was in a pickle. After being in college, I have learned to make my own decisions and slowly learn to live on my own. It wasn't always easy.

When I came home, I noticed the similarities and differences of my home. I see my parents in a different light, and how their past lives made them into who they are today. I do not hastily agree with them on their beliefs or try to prove them wrong. Simply put, I just observe and then try to challenge their thinking.

There are things I agree with and things that I don't agree with my parents. I like to question their thinking process and beliefs, just to understand their viewpoint a bit better. I like to play the devils advocate; agreeing to someone else's opinion right away just seems like an easy way to be lazy and boring.

The personalities that run through my family are similar, but we are different. Because of this, there are various arguments and disputes (we aren't all perfect). Some of us will agree with our parents with what we value and believe in, others are a little more opposing. My parents have lived in a lifetime different from the one I currently live in; trying to change their mind or having them convert to an opposing belief cannot be done. That's basically asking to them to relive their lifetime and throw away what they have adapted to.

You can't change people.

My parents have their flaws. But they have taken them in stride and have overcome their struggles. Because of their experiences, I am given advice on their past mistakes and successes. Of course, whether I take the advice or not is up to me; I am my own individual after all and relying too much on my parents sense of pride for me is not the way to go. Otherwise, I won't be able to find my own happiness. There is a fine line in where I need to learn things on my own and grow from my own mistakes.

When children get older, I suppose it's natural that they get frustrated with their parents and argue with them. After being independent, people like to know what is best for themselves and not solely rely on the bane of their existence.

My parents will die one day, and I'm going to have to make sure that I am successful and able to operate on my own. There will have to be an abandonment of the reliance of my parents in order to be fully independent. While I have the time I have with them, I can appreciate their wisdom and what they offer to me. All things will happen in good time, and what will be will be.