Today, we invited two of my friends over (who are a couple) for brunch with us. I made a spread that I am quite proud of, and we ate, drank, and caught up on all things travel, moving, and house hunting related. They’re actually looking to purchase an apartment in Astoria in the next year and had just come from an open house en route to our place.

Because Chris and I have always looked at New York as a temporary home, it’s always interesting to hear about others’ desires to stay here long-term, especially in the city and not stereotypically leaving for the suburbs. I told Chris that my guy friend always said he had the desire to move to California at least short term, but long term, he didn’t feel comfortable being so far away from his parents.

“That is like the opposite of you,” Chris remarks.

“Yeah, that’s kind of true,” I responded.

These comparisons always make me hear stupid voices in my head, telling me that maybe I don’t love my parents as much as the kids who have strong desires to stay and live closer (or even WITH) their parents. I’ve been told that, either directly or indirectly, many, many times over the course of my now 12 years away from home. I think the argument is terrible, though, and I don’t just say that out of defensiveness. Kids are meant to “leave the nest” and pursue their own lives and not be dependent on their parents, whether that is emotionally, physically (eh?), or financially. Everyone’s desires and comfort levels will always be different, and maybe they change as time goes on, but I’m 100 percent comfortable being across the country from my parents. And I think they’ve gotten used to it as time has gone on. It’s really for the benefit of both sides to have space.