AITA for choosing to live a “frivolous” life?
I (29F) recently visited my parents (71M and 68F), and everything was normal until they sat me down and said they needed to talk about “my life.” They told me I’m almost 30 and it’s time for me to “grow up.”
I asked what they meant, and they brought up that I have no career ambitions, I’m still goth, I keep getting new facial piercings, and I “have no real responsibilities.” They said I’m too old to live this way and that they’ve been waiting for me to “dress normal,” take my piercings out, get a “real career,” settle down, and eventually have kids. They also said they’re embarrassed by me, especially compared to their friends’ kids.
They think my hobbies and lifestyle are “frivolous.” For context, my Instagram is mostly cosplay photoshoots with friends, concerts, and tattoo conventions—things I love doing.
I told them I have no interest in changing. I have a job, I live independently, and I intentionally choose a lifestyle with minimal responsibilities. I like how I dress, and I have zero desire for a corporate career, marriage, or kids. They argued that “someone my age” can’t live like this and said my choices mean they “failed as parents” and that I’m a disappointment, especially because they pushed me academically when I was younger.
So AITA for choosing to live a purposely carefree and “frivolous” life?