<p>It is not uncommon for my D to be yelling at me to stop giving her advice one minute and then the next asking me to repeat something I said the night before, then get irritated when I can't remember exactly what I said the night before, then hook her arm through mine while we walk down the sidewalk! Talk about a seasaw... </p>
<p>This is typical adolescent behavior and I agree w/ParentofBear that if we weren't in some way glad they were leaving then we're lying to ourselves. I sometimes think that a clock starts ticking the moment they're born and that right about at around the years 17-18 a mom loses some of the energy to parent that they used to have. </p>
<p>And the NY Times article, (thanks IndianaKate!) in a way gives me validation because it seems to say that a close relationship can continue through adulthood, but it is on a different level. I'd love to be a confidant to my daughter, I'd love to continue shopping, lunching, and watching movies. I feel ready to take the next step in our relationship.</p>
<p>Of course, that's a long, long way off. Still have to get through the I hate you, no, I love you phase that we seem to be in. I'm steeling myself for a tough transition when she leaves for school, both for her and for me.</p>