“I think my parents are worried, but I’m only 41teen.”

"Maybe one day student loans will be forgiven and my generation will be able to get out of the jail that is student loan debt."

"Also, I really wish they would wear their damn hearing aides more often!"

"I've been parentified, or made to feel responsible for my parents' physical and emotional health. I have no skills. I'm afraid of the day that I do get a job; they'll probably fire me because I have no experience. 

My mom has been trying to help me because my dad and I aren't getting along well. I wanted to move in with my brother, but he has a partner now, and I don't want to be a burden. I was a smart child in high school — I graduated with honors — and a decent college student. All of my peers have moved out of our town and have families. My former friend just bought her third vacation home. 

I feel like a failure and a disappointment. And worst of all, I let myself down."

"I help cook, clean, and with everything else around the house. I take them out to eat when I can and spend time getting to know them better than I think I would if I actually had the opportunity to buy a home right out of college.

Still, I hope the market crashes real hard. Maybe then I can finally get my own home."

"I pay certain bills, fill the fridge, pay the cleaner, drive her where she wants and needs to go, make her meals, and more. My only fear is that I will be the one to find her when she dies and it will mentally damage me beyond repair. 

I hope I get abducted by aliens right after if that happens."

"And I also like my job because it is a cushy government job and I don't want to leave it. Then again, it isn't what I studied in school and I feel kind of stuck now. I wish I was working in a job I loved, but my job now has good benefits and a pension, so it means I can take care of my mom without worry. But I wonder: Does she even want me to do this? 

I sometimes think she probably wishes I were out there living my life, but I even feel bad when I leave her just to go on a vacation. My dad is home as well, and he is a bit healthier than she is, but he is getting older, too. Ughhh...I just worry a lot and don't know what to do! I want independence, but I'm scared to leave them."

"Once I get more education to supplement my Bachelor's degree for a better job, I feel like I'll finally get more money, a significant other, my own place somewhere, and an overall better quality of life. I can reach it. I just need to give things more time and effort for them to improve. So, things are average for me. I know others have the same living conditions as I do, so I’m not alone. That’s all."

Note: Responses have been edited for length/clarity.