Living under the rule of a parent is like living under a monarchy. Except you can’t force the parent to abdicate. And you’re stuck with your parents for the rest of your life.

The irrational  mind of the single parent works like this: he or she has lived the past twenty some odd years of his or her life with absolute, unquestioned rule, which thus leads to said parent’s abuse of powers. Abuse of the system. 

And this is why people move out as soon as they can. Away from the crazy, mid-life crisised, power crazy monarch. Away from the person who birthed you and yet will still see your ex boyfriend after you’ve broken up and made it clear that you hope to end all existing ties with him. Away from the person who will complain about an empty home when you’re not around, and then yell at you when you are just because she had a bad day.  And, the moment a guest arrives, it could be a minute later even, she becomes the picture-perfect host. A switch is flipped. Gentle voice, open ears, light laughter welcome the guest like nothing ever happened. 

You can’t get out. Not really. The only way to avoid this power over you is by avoiding its source altogether. Or staking your own claim on your own home. A new sovereignty. And thus the cycle repeats.

But maybe it’s better with two equal rulers. I wouldn’t know.