I’m 17 (almost 18) and I think I might be too attached to my parents/family.
It’s kind of always been this way. I remember my first school trip when I had to be away for 5 days, and I cried for weeks beforehand because I was so scared. Years later, not much has changed.
The weird thing is I do enjoy spending time away from home, with friends, and doing things independently. But as soon as I’m away for longer than 1–2 nights, I get really bad anxiety.
My parents are honestly like my best friends, and I’m so grateful to have such amazing parents. But all of my friends seem excited to go away for uni, move out, or go on girls trips to get away from home, and I just can’t relate at all. Even thinking about moving out or going on a trip makes me feel physically sick.
I’m embarrassed because everyone else seems so ready for independence, while I feel the complete opposite. I don’t even think it’s fully about my parents, because I’m fine when they go away. I think it might also be about not wanting to leave my house or comfort zone.
I honestly don’t know what to do. Has anyone else felt like this? How did you cope or get past it?