Have you ever felt like you were a bad daughter for being a good friend?

I don't think parents would be particularly good parents if they didn't fret about things like this, especially for girls. I know my parents freak out a lot because I go to university on the other side of the country and whenever they can't get me on the phone they always jump to worst-case scenarios (i.e. I've gone out and gotten drunk and raped somewhere). I mean, I always roll my eyes and am like "Geez, what do you take me for?" but it's nice to know that they worry. They nag because they care and don't know how else to express it. I mean, as we grow older and older I think parents feel like they're losing their "baby girl" which I know is how my dad sees it. So...try and talk it out with them and explain it. Getting emotional about it doesn't really solve anything, they just don't understand what you're on about and end up fretting more. Did that make any sense? :S

Well, do not be mad at your parents for being so protective! In this day and age, and the things that happen to young girls and boys, is horrendous! I do know for sure though, that the more they try to keep you 'on a chain', the more pressure, that is building up to express your freedom! That pressure has got to get a relief, and it is imperative that you discuss this with them, and that they understand, what they are doing is making it more dangerous for you to 'explode', when the pressure gets too much! You, must start steps, into them letting you have some 'rope', and it is very important that you let them know that they can trust you with this, and the more they can trust you, maybe the more they will trust you! And they need to be sure that they understand this because it will take both of you to compromise in this endeavor! The story in our family is, the boys were never questioned when they wanted to go out, but the girls were 'super protected', and this only caused them to run off and get married sooner and younger than they should have! And be sure to bring this point up to your parents when you are discussing this! Another thing is, if your discussions start to escalate, and you feel that they will not deescalate, "back off", very politely, intelligently, and in an adult manner, and this will give you the advantage of them saying that you are grown up and can be trusted, like an adult! It's not easy, but you can do it in a 'grown up professional manner' which they will respect! I hope this will help you in some way, I have been there, I raised seven kids, and now I help my daughters and sons with my grandchildren, and it's never easy, but if the love is there, the love will be overwhelming!!. Oh, and one more thing, you have got to believe, and trust in yourself, to make this happen !