So who has a GOOD relationship with their parents?
Posted by Gullible_Rich_7156@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 72 comments
Kinda similar to the physical decline threads being wildly popular, “My boomer parents are assholes” seems to be a perennial favorite as well. Just curious who else has a great relationship with their parents. Mine wasn’t always perfect, I wasn’t always a model kid, and my first marriage was rough, but since I got divorced we’ve slowly gotten closer than ever.
Mine are super supportive and helpful and perhaps most importantly, in good health. My dad is 72 and my mom is 69 and they drive an hour each way to come to our house every Thursday to pick my kids up from school, help with driving them to extracurriculars (I have three so often all three are doing different places at once) and then we all have dinner together. They also come to as many school events, games and milestones as they can. We have our annual family vacation in about a month and we’re all psyched. We’re renting houses in the same beach town with our family (me, my three and my GF and her two), my mom and dad, my brother and his family, and our cousins from Texas and Virginia.
My parents now have four grandchildren of their own, plus my girlfriend’s two kids, and though they of course have their own lives and do their own thing (they’re both retired) they live to see their grandkids, thrive and succeed. I hope that I am nowhere close to being the only Xennial around here who has this experience.
gman1647@reddit
My father passed away a few years ago. We always had a very good relationship, but as he aged he fell into the FoxNews sinkhole and became increasingly depressed and miserable. It definitely impacted our relationship, but he passed too soon to see if he would escape that fear mongering induced depression. My mom and I are on good terms. We see her every few months (she's a few states away) and talk weekly. My wife calls her more often, but she's more of the social type. Mom joins us on vacation every year. We do major holidays together. I was fortunate to have good parents.
Sinhalo66@reddit
I have a very good relationship with my parents. I think they love my wife more than me though lol. They just got back from traveling the country for three years so we’ve been trying to hang out with them almost every weekend since they got back. When I retire in 8 years, we are going to slow travel the world with them. When we get back from that then they will live with us. I lucked out in the parent department I guess.
small___potatoes@reddit
Dad 83 and mom 77, they are both super supportive and I consider them to be some of my best friends. Live about 30 min away and see them 3-4 times a week
Responsible_Park3317@reddit
I'm really close with my mentally ill mother, but I only talk to my old man once every year or ten. He's had a few close brushes with death in recent years, so he's trying to reconnect, but he's an ex-special forces, narcissistic conservative asshole. Waaaaaay on the other end of the spectrum from me. Buut he's giving my underpaid ass money, so I'm humoring him. He can't buy my love, but he can rent my attention. 🤣
Deep-Ad4351@reddit
My parents are my very best friends. Though I and my younger brother don’t have kids; my parents do everything they can to support us and vice versa. I talk to them both every single day. I know I hit the jackpot lottery when it came to the parental units.
Fun_Committee1478@reddit
I talk to my mom daily. She drives me crazy most days , but I’d say we’re pretty close.
trademarktower@reddit
Both parents passed. Had a great relationship with my Dad at the time but he passed when I was a Teen. Then I had to deal with my mom's mental health and financial struggles for another 20 years until she passed. So I'm left with a lot of anger and bitter memories. I try to focus my time on my wife and kids and just leave the past in the past.
Nach0Maker@reddit
My mom died years ago at 65YO. MAGA killed my boomer dad to me and I haven't spoken to him for years outside of random texts every few months.
JediNeo101@reddit
I had a great relationship with my dad up until about 16-17. Nothing he did, I got my license, started working and doing my own thing. He passed away when I turned 23.
I didn't have the same type of relationship with my mom. Mostly because she has worked graveyard my whole life. Through elementary she worked two jobs. Even now she works the late shift that ends at 1AM.
It makes sad we don't have a closer relationship. I even see it with my siblings and her when we're all together. I understand why she did it. Wanting to provide for us. I don't hate her, but wish it were different.
realitythreek@reddit
Honestly not really. My mom’s usual regular drinking problem has developed into full blown alcoholism including drunken rants and domestic disturbance/DUI arrests. My dad and I hadn’t talked in a while due to some disagreements, although that’s been getting better.
It’s not all their fault, I’m conflict avoidant but I’ve been doing better at it after talking to a psych and treating my ADHD/anxiety.
Bunch of shit I never expected to be a problem when I was a child.
wtfftw1042@reddit
My parents are awesome. They're supportive and fun and I enjoy spending time with them.
HuckleberryHappy6524@reddit
Same here. My step dad was strict when I was a kid but I was a shit head. He kept me from going down the wrong path. No matter what I did, they were there for me. They were just here for dinner last night. It was great.
norrisiv@reddit
My biological mother passed when I was only 8 and I was adopted by her aunt and uncle a generation over her. I had a terrible relationship with my adopted parents and we generally did not get along. My wife's relationship with her parents is totally different and we ended up moving to live close to her parents out in California and it has been like night and day – I'd say maybe it'd be the generation gap but her parents are only a little over a decade younger than mine.
We're over at their house frequently for family dinners and I get to spend time great quality time with our family out here. Took me a while to get to this point in life but I'm happy I made it.
Rich_Celebration477@reddit
My mom is great. My dad was great.
ipaintbadly@reddit
My mom is one of the strongest people I know. She lost her FIL, both her parents (within like a week of each other), and her husband in the first 3 1/2 years of my life. 10 years later she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She raised two daughters on a teacher’s salary, one of which (me) was an undiagnosed ADHD and autistic kid.
She’s been an amazing mom despite all her life challenges and is one of my best friends. I feel very lucky for sure. :)
nmixxenjoyer@reddit
I'm envious of people who were loved by their parents.
Intelligent-Camera90@reddit
I lost my dad the day after his 58th birthday and my oldest sister when she was 38. It’s brought the rest of my immediate family (mom, sister, nieces) closer. I live 2+ hours away in a different state now, but text my mom daily, talk to her on the phone every week for about 2 hours and see her every 3-4 weeks. She lives with one of my nieces and down the road from another.
Growing up, my relationship with my parents was always fine - they let us make mistakes, so that we could learn from them. My dad instilled us with his work ethic and my mom made sure that we knew it was ok to be a little weird. They also encouraged all of us to try new things and adventures. It was ok if something didn’t work out, that’s how you get experience and learn new things.
My family also didn’t have a lot of extra money growing up, so my parents always made sure we were clothed and fed, with necessities taken care of, but there wasn’t anything left over for things like a second car, vacations, or bailing us out of trouble when we were older.
My mom has chilled out a lot since I was a kid. I think part of it is that she doesn’t worry as much about holding everything together (including taking care of me - I was an unmedicated ADHD kid). My nieces and I help out where we can, picking up bills and making sure she stays busy/gets to appointments/etc. And, I still ask her “mom” questions every once in awhile, like for a family recipe or the best way to get a stain out of something.
somethingdouchey@reddit
Haven't spoke to them in 20 years. Best the relationship has ever been.
Prince_0llie@reddit
I'm halfway there! So you're saying it gets better? Is it JUST because they are boomers or is there some other phenomenon at play? Seems like not all who have/had boomer parents experience this.
somethingdouchey@reddit
At first it was because they are toxic and manipulative but now i realize they are just typical right wing racist bigoted religious nutjobs. Either way, not the kind of people i keep close.
tracyveronika@reddit
Currently no contact with both parents. Dad is alive and unreasonable. Mom is dead. 😬
justpootsie@reddit
My dad was amazing. He died 3 years ago, but I think about him every day and am so thankful for experiencing the unconditional love of a wonderful parent.
My mother is a narcissist, my stepfather is a moron. I have chosen not to have contact with them since November and it's been blissful.
Treadingresin@reddit
My boomer parents have always been good and supportive of both my sister amd I. There was no favoritism displayed. And though they are certainly imperfect because they are humans carrying trauma of their own, they always showed up and listen. To this day they are supportive.
Dicfive@reddit
I have a great relationship with mine. They live a block away. Talk to them daily, see them 2-3 days a week.
ThePlatypusOfDespair@reddit
My parents are fabulous. Supportive, generous, have FBI files from protesting back in the day, still quite progressive. Literally two of my favorite people.
KrissyPooh76@reddit
Me. And all my siblings honestly. And it wasn't the smoothest childhood for some of us. My mom was more free-range than a lot of parents were even back then. She is very much a let you fall and figure it out for yourself mom. But still supportive. No judgement.
ElectronicDrama2573@reddit
I do. I fucked up when I was a teenager. They were good parents then, and I love them more for it now. I’m about to be 44 and they are both alive, healthy, still married and in love. It’s wonderful and I know I’m lucky. Maybe even rare.
vacayerin@reddit
I have to typical passive aggressive, judgmental, midwestern parents in their mid-70s. They’re too old to change their ways, and I have boundaries now for myself and my kids…so the relationship is a bit strained.
I no longer have negative feelings about my childhood (thanks to so much therapy) but when they start with the same toxic negativity now, I have to disengage.
I wish it was different, but I’ve really done what I can on my end, and now I have to protect my peace.
dcphoto78@reddit
I have a great relationship with my parents. It’s making it very hard to watch them slowing down.
GenericDave65@reddit
My dad’s basically my best friend. He’s starting to have some health issues and I’m getting a little worried about that. My mom and I never really got along growing up for various different reasons. In adulthood we’ve patched a lot of things up but I’m definitely not as close to her as she would like. In recent years she has been having a lot of health issues including some early dementia. I’ve pretty much decided to let all the old issues go and just not worry about them anymore. Probably the best thing I could have done and probably should have done it earlier.
Bornagainchola@reddit
I had a great relationship with my parents. I miss them. I understand them more in death then when they were alive. My parents were saints.
FoppyRETURNS@reddit
Its... kinda. I speak to them multiple times a week and not about money. Were they crappy parents? Yeah!
kbennett82@reddit
I have the best parents honestly. They worked so hard to give me and brother such a great childhood and even as an adult with my own family they are still a rock solid support system for me. They come to every single school event, game, pep rally, awards show and anything else for my daughter. I’m blessed for sure.
MichelleEvangelista@reddit
Very close to my parents. I love them to pieces💜
Important_Chef_4717@reddit
My parents are 😬 not great. Mom is a narcissist and dad is an enabler. We are no contact with them.
My husband’s parents are a blessing. Fil passed away last year from cancer, but my Mil is very healthy and active! We love spending time together and they’ve always been so supportive of us and our children. We’ve taken in 3 additional teenagers and they have always been welcomed warmly. My Mil has so much love for everyone.
Dick-Guzinya@reddit
I have a solid relationship with my mom. My dad passed pre-COVID, but we were cool. The only issue we had was that we were essentially 2 generations different. They were born in 41 and 42. I was an Oops baby born in the late 70s. I was essentially raised by my grandparents. So we had nothing in common, but we’ve always been cool and there for each other.
Reeko_Htown@reddit
It’s good now but it took until I got married and started a family for it to happen
Other-Improvement410@reddit
Why gloat on something that the rest of us can't control (or change)?
Gullible_Rich_7156@reddit (OP)
Because those of us who have a different experience should be able to talk about it as well.
catsoncrack420@reddit
Love my parents. Old school Latino. Had issues with my dad but therapy and talking we moved pass that. We all got issues. How we deal with them matters. I'm also a single dad so they helped a lot staying with me to help out when I got custody and adjusting. I gave up two job opportunities to be close to home and family.
Ramone5150@reddit
My mom, who is 81, has her moments of annoyance but for the most part, she’s pretty supportive. My Dad was the same but unfortunately he’s already passed away.
Writeforwhiskey@reddit
I have a pretty great relationship with my parents. They've always been good listeners, respectors of boundaries, and they're just really fun and a cute couple in their own right. They apologies but also accept apologies. They've always made it known I could always lean on them. They're my friends if I'm being honest. Parents first but truly great friends :)
peekaboooobakeep@reddit
Had a rough time with them both growing up. Got closer to them when I became a parent. Mom shifted into a fantastic grandparent and she is acting like the parent I always wanted. She respects boundaries, she listens, she tells me she's proud of me. Idk if it makes a difference that I started telling her, "I get it now" being parent and also have cleared the air with some of our old butting head moments.
My parents were teens...dad disappeared and my mom married another dude that adopted me. As a parent and an adult now...I give them way more credit for what they did right and all the other things they stumbled through. Dad went off the rails during the divorce stepping into his new hot boy summer. It's weird when your parents are 15-16 years older than you.
DookieMcDookface@reddit
Consider yourself very blessed. They sound like great parents. While mine weren’t great, I hope to become like your parents with my kiddo.
blondeviking64@reddit
My mom is dead but until she had dementia we talked almost daily. My dad is now 81 and we have lunch every Sunday and talk sometimes during the week. I expect the old man to live to be 90 but there are no promises. He is still very sharp and was actually reffing youth soccer until this year when my nephew decided to discontinue playing. He also volunteers at my nephews school which gets him out and around people every day.
MattAU05@reddit
My dad was great but he passed last year. Have a great relationship with my wonderful mom. I’m very lucky to have had two great partners who were always supportive, encouraging, and loving. My dad’s influence lives on through how goofy all his kids (and grandkids) are.
lists4everything@reddit
Dad and mom split but they were both good parents. We kind of keep to ourselves but when we do communicate it’s all friendly and stuff.
It’s just them and me and my brother.
My mom has severe memory issues, lives locally and alone, and me and my brother tag team handling her care/restocking her fridge.
Dad lives out of state with his wife/our stepmom and we see him once a year and are in contact quarterly. She’s a little weird but idk good enough and nice enough. Her son hates her though. She appears to take good care of my dad.
KoRaZee@reddit
Dad was good before passing, stepdad is great but his health is waning fast. Mom is not good.
Equivalent-Ad-3423@reddit
I've been no contact with my mother for more than half my life. I've been low contact with my father for about 10 years.
This is the only way I know to honor my parents. I keep my mother away so she can do no harm and I remember that my father is just some guy on the street.
turbodonuts@reddit
My parents are wonderful! Mom is 79 and dad is 78. We live about ten miles away, I’m going today to just visit.
jtho78@reddit
I've never been that close with my parents or sibling. We rarely talk on the phone or in person. We do love each other tremendously but really don't have much in common. It's always been this way.
My parents and in-laws, in general, have been pretty great once they accepted we weren't having kids.
Dad and MIL passed in the last few years. Mom and FIL do not want to be a burden, but they are too stubborn to take health advice from us or their PC doc. Other than that, they are low-maintenance. Mom is in independent care and still learning to take advantage of all the resources.
Only-Friend-8483@reddit
My parents are 79 and 77. They don’t seem to care about me and my brother or our lives. They rarely visit and never call. I stopped making any effort about 9 years ago. I now assume that most Xennials are in the same boat I am, and that our parents are just a generational anomaly that’s brain damaged by lead and other environmental toxins, coupled with personal baggage from being raised by the Greatest Generation.
willworkforwatches@reddit
No contact club checking in.
edwardturnerlives@reddit
I do not share your experience, but I wish I did
twelveoverten@reddit
Same here. I tried really hard. Family therapist kicked my dad out and then fired me and my mom six months later :( it’s unfixable.
Quinalla@reddit
I am very lucky to have awesome parents and in laws. We actually enjoy spending time together and my parents are very healthy so we even travel with them sometimes. Seriously, we really lucked out! And they have supported me and my siblings in different ways and are always willing, but also aren’t enabling.
DiaDeLosMuebles@reddit
Mom died in 2009 but we were always on good terms. Dad is still kicking it and we get along so well.
sticks_and_stoners@reddit
I have an excellent relationship with my mom. My father is a dick though. I haven’t spoken to him in 11 years now. I went through several periods of not speaking to him for a year or more since I was 13. He’s just…. A dick.
DocBEsq@reddit
My parents were great.
We grew up fairly broke — for complicated reasons, we lived primarily on a single, mid-level civil servant’s salary, so McDonald’s was a treat. But there were birthdays and Christmas presents and lots of support for us to get what we wanted by working/saving. They read to us at night, we had family dinners, and we talked about everything. I suppose they were a bit emotionally overprotective— my sisters and I have struggled a wee bit in the “cold cruel world” — but there are worse flaws in parents.
My dad sadly died fairly young (genetic heart condition), so he has been gone for 16 years. But I talk to my mother daily, see her almost every week, and have a great relationship. She enjoys spoiling her 3 grandsons (my nephews), all of whom adore their grandma. She still hosts Christmas. While she has some tough back issues, she is otherwise in great health and — key to this — understands the importance of taking care of herself.
To say I feel grateful for my parents is the biggest understatement I could make.
spilt_milk@reddit
I have a good relationship with my dad. My mom is a different story because she became an alcoholic about 20 years ago and that shit fucking sucks.
No_Custard_6481@reddit
My dad but my mom is a bitch. My dad is the one constant person in life. He was an alcoholic who made my life terrible in my early years. My dad’s drinking made sense. My mother’s abuse was calculating. Always when he wasn’t there. Oh well. I love my dad more than anything.
skinnyminnesota@reddit
I've been lucky to be part of a close-knit 4-person family unit. The most interesting thing for me about my parents right now is how guilty my mother feels about the breathtaking lack of global stewardship of her generation.
pawogub@reddit
Dad died when I was 23. Mom’s still around. We stress each other out some, but all things considered we get along okay. I bought a house that’s only a 15 minute walk from hers so I can help her with stuff.
ReggaeForPresident@reddit
My parents are in their mid 70s and have good health. They have always been supportive of me and tried their best. I have 2 kids (their only grandkids) who they absolutely adore and spend as much time with them as possible. They’re watching the kids next week while wife and I go to New York!
No-Championship-8677@reddit
My mom and I are best friends!
AshleyRoeder33@reddit
My relationship with my parents is very similar. Sure, they’re boomers, but the very tail end of it. They’re more supportive and accepting than most. My dad was 68 when he died last year, and my mom is 71. I cherish and love them both dearly.
Gullible_Rich_7156@reddit (OP)
Your parents are Generation Jones like mine. Perhaps there is some sort of difference? My dad was only 15 when Woodstock happened and tried like hell to get someone to take him but no dice…LOL. He was kind of a wild child, country boy, drag racer, did four years in the Navy whereas my mom was a strait laced Catholic girl from a nearby city.
Correct-Degree-6789@reddit
Good relationship with my WHAT!!! DAAAAUGH AHA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!
TMore108@reddit
I do
TrixieLaBouche@reddit
Love my mother, very close although she can be immensely frustrating. Dad means well but wasn't a great dad growing up, doesn't understand boundaries and can be very cruel with his words. He's got my back 100% but some things you can't unsay.
However both are excellent grandparents.
panda_9779@reddit
My boomer parents are dead. Fuck cancer. We had a good relationship though. My stepfather and former stepmother are still alive and we also have a good relationship. She's remarried again so I have another bonus "dad" now.
I_like_flowers_@reddit
that sounds lovely and i am really happy for you and your family.