Why can’t my parents be happy for me in this way?

[whataboutthisone11]

I’m single and early 30s. Worked hard since school and struggled into a well paid job, made lots of sacrifices and ticked all the boxes of a house and stability. I have some very manageable debt on a credit card.

Here’s the deal. This year I decided to book some trips. Feeling quite low and wanting to make the most of having worked all through my twenties. I’ve told my parents and all they’ve done is criticise the prices of things (they asked) and say that it’s not the best idea that I go. To be fair, I have asked them now and again to help with money...I’m taking help when the boiler broke and they chipped in 50 quid. Maybe once a year they’ve done something like this. I’ve never depended on them month to month though.

They’ve been on so many holidays and have a LOT of travel experience, but at my age they had done very little. My sibling says my dad gets almost jealous hearing about trips she and her hubby have been on (they are very well off).

I feel a bit flat and like the wind has been taken out of my sails a little. Do you think it’s becase I’ve called on them before to help out in a crisis that they have this attitude? They’ve been like it all my life and they were the main reason I never did anything ‘fun’ and spent all my savings on education - granted it got me a good job but even now I feel they don’t want to support me doing anything like this.

Bit of a moan! Anyone had this?!

Share any plans and good news with your siblings and close friends and don't tell your parents any of your plans.

It sounds like you're a bit burnt out, and the holiday is going to make you feel better.

Think about your life in general and what might need changing if you've reached this stage of feeling flat and needing a holiday. Perhaps you need to re-evaluate where you're going, what you want to do etc. Maybe your parents have had more effect because you're feeling a bit delicate emotionally?

If you've been striving all the way through since school, have you reached a point where it seems worthwhile but not had the satisfied feeling that should go with it?

Enjoy a holiday ! Don't tell them how much you paid, say it was a deal/sale. Someone once said to me, don't get into debt for a holiday. I've been fortunate to be able to work overtime & have a second job.