Never assume it gets easier - because it bloody doesn't

[Hassled]

DD is 20 - nearly 21. Lives at home, but she spent last night at new boyfriend's house - we've not met, and other than knowing he's insanely tall and sells cars I know nothing about him. Anyway - she didn't show up this morning, or this afternoon, she wasn't answering her phone and I was SO close to either going to every single car salesroom in the city and accosting random tall men, or calling the police.

Anyway, she was at work. She NEVER works on a Friday. Apparently she'd told me she was going to work - I have no recollection of this so am clearly barking. I was in pieces about it - had absolutely convinced myself that nutter tall car bloke was an axe-murderer/rapist/God knows what.

But she's back, and I've had wine . I feel like I've aged a lot.

You must have been frantic. Would she consider giving you his address and number for hypothetical emergencies then you can have a stakeout? When asking, try to avoid the phrase 'you're still my little girl' if you possibly can.

My FIL told me recently that the worry's always the same, they just get bigger. His youngest is 21, eldest 28. When I was heavily pregnant we drove from London to Norfolk in a new car (desperately old car, but new to us iyswim) and on arrival at MIL's she sobbed and sobbed. I didn't quite get it until I had dd. Her PFB, DIL and unborn gc were in an unfamiliar car, dh had only just passed his test, it was late at night, we were held up by a very bad accident. I understand completely now.

Funny my parents never seemed that worried about me. I often was out until the very early hours in my teens and they never gave me a curfew. I sometimes stumbled in as they were getting up and they didn't seem bothered in the slightest.

When I was 21 I was travelling Aus some of it alone and would often not call them for weeks. I did have a mobile I suppose so they could get hold of me. But still.....

Can't see I will be that way with mine. I am not a big worrier but I think I will be more so when my kids are out doing god knows what in their teens!

Thanks both - I'm not naturally one of life's most laid-back people at the best of times; I don't think I really slept for the 6 months DS1 was doing his "Gap Yah" in Africa, but today was the worst I think I've ever been.

But at least I know now where Tall Car Boyfriend works. Only a matter of time before he's my new best friend...