Overprotective parents in Bombay: How can a 28-year-old woman break free without severing ties?

Ans: Overprotective parenting often comes from a place of fear, but when it crosses into controlling behavior, it can suffocate you emotionally. Since conversations haven’t helped build their trust, you may need to take a more gradual and strategic approach to gain your freedom.

One way is to slowly create boundaries without triggering their anxiety too much. If they demand to track your location, maybe start by saying your phone battery drains quickly, so you’ll only update them at certain times. If they check your phone, you can put a password and say it’s for security reasons, as you have work-related or personal data you need to protect. Make them feel that you are still being responsible, but at the same time, reclaim your space.

A long-term solution would be to work towards financial and residential independence. If moving out isn’t an option right away, consider staying out more often with friends or taking trips that require you to be away for a few days. Show them that you can take care of yourself without anything going wrong. If they see that nothing bad happens when you have more freedom, their grip may loosen over time.

It’s also important to emotionally detach from their control. They may always try to guilt-trip or pressure you, but if you stop reacting strongly to their monitoring, they will eventually lose interest in controlling every aspect of your life. Stay firm yet respectful, and over time, they will have to adjust.

What’s the biggest fear they have about letting you be independent? If you can understand that, you might be able to address their concerns in a way that helps them ease up.