My mother thinks I'm still a small kid...

It's embarrassing especially when I'm with friends. They make fun of me too when she keeps calling me on my cell phone to get the details about my location. I feel so frustrated at times but I try not to hurt her feelings. I am her only child and I guess I'm paying the price of excessive love and care. I simply want her to realise that I have grown up and I don't want her to worry too much.
- Unmesh

Illustration/ Satish Acharya

Dear Unmesh,
As you are the only child, your mother has been extremely protective about you. For her you are still her baby. I can understand how it feels when she calls you to check your whereabouts when you are with friends. Perhaps you can tell her to SMS you instead of calling you when you are with friends. It will not be easy for her to not worry about you as you are her universe. But you need to explain that soon you will be getting married and her behaviour will create problems for you. Tell her that at 24 you are capable of taking care of yourself. Also, perhaps you should make a call and say that you are okay.u00a0