Power Trip
The Awkward Power Dynamics of Being Friends With Your Parents
How to navigate the transition to a relationship of equals
The other night, I was in the middle of an argument with my boyfriend when my mom called. I picked up, because if I don’t, she’ll keep leaving voicemails until my phone explodes.
“What are you two up to?” she asked.
“Oh, uh, nothing. Just talking.”
“Are you two fighting?”
“Yep,” I answered, mostly relieved that she’d guessed correctly so I didn’t have to dance around the truth with my boyfriend nearby, listening.
“Uh-uh,” said my mom. “Well, call me back afterwards and let me know what happens.”
“I will.”
“And be nice!”
My mom knows me really well. No surprise there as I talk to both my parents every day. My dad calls in the morning, while he’s driving to work, and I talk to my mom at night, sometimes featuring round two of dad, if they’re out together. I see them nearly every weekend.
Because you know each other so well — what makes you tick, what drives you nuts — a small comment can easily turn into a…
