to expect my mother not to go through my things?

[salisetset]

I am staying with her for the xmas holidays and was busy with work things so she kindly packed for me - which also involved going through my handbag and confiscating my cigarettes! she didn't admit to this when asked though, only when I told how inappropriate it was - she knows I don't like her going through my things! I'm 25.

Of course she should respect your privacy. You need to cut the stay short and let her know that you're only happy to stay when she's not rifling through your belongings.

Pack your own bags. She can't be trusted not to go through your things.

Of course you're not being unreasonable. you're 25. You're not 15. Confiscating your cigarettes. WTAF is that all about.
Your mum needs to let go of the apron strings.

Bump

She had no right to go through your handbag. She doesn't need to do that if she is packing surely?
She has even less right to decide whether you can have cigarettes or not.
Have a very frank conversation with her and tell her she is not to interfere with your stuff.
Why was she packing for you anyway?

Yes apologies, thank you of course to the posters who have replied - and for the prompt Hecate!

Good to hear everyone's replies!

Good grief, what on earth is your mum doing packing for you at your age? That's just plain weird.

I didn't ask her too - and I use the term packing loosely, she had done some washing for me while I was staying at her house and put this in my open case (would have rather she didn't but there you go).

salisetset I feel your pain - my mum would do the exact same thing and I'm 29!