What is your relationship with your parents?

[Josh500 1,620]

Well?

Just out of curiosity.

[Jilal 681]

I have a very good relationship with my parents, and i love them both equally.

[Josh500 1,620]

I have a very good relationship with my parents, and i love them both equally.

This is the best option! Congrats!

By the way, I slightly edited the second poll...

[Quintus 6,494]

I see my mother once a month or so and I haven't bothered with my father for over three years. He's a cunt.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

I love my parents, but I don't like them. I try to avoid them most of the time.

[crocodile 9,724]

Very good relationship with mother, good relationship with my father.

Karol

[Josh500 1,620]

I love my parents, but I don't like them.

Huh?

In my opinion, you either love, like, or dislike somebody... but whatever.

I see my mother once a month or so and I haven't bothered with my father for over three years. He's a cunt.

Yep, same here.

I haven't seen my father in a very long time, and I have no desire to do so. Actually my sister and my mother feel the same way...

[Quintus 6,494]

My father's family don't bother with him, either.

I've actually have a huge family, I've got about thirty cousins out there. Only see a handful.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

I love and respect my mother. I have not seen my father since 1987. As far as i know he is still alive. He suffered a massive heart attack a few years ago and was put in hospital, but checked himself out so he could continue drinking.

[Josh500 1,620]

My father has contracted cancer a few years ago, and I am thinking he doesn't have long to live.

He's asked to see me--but I am not sure I want to! When I have had a bad relationship with him for the past 20 years (and I haven't seen him for the last 10),why would I want to see him now? Certainly not just because he is dying!

And no, I don't think I will regret it if I don't go see him again.

[crocodile 9,724]

That's some heavy stuff, mate...

Karol

[Josh500 1,620]

Ah well.

It's not that big a deal... I haven't seen him in 10 years, after all!

[crocodile 9,724]

The last time I've seen my dad was more than a year ago. We talk and everything is fine (apparently), but I can't say we know each other all too well. Which is probably for the best. But, still, it's really hard for me to comprehend what it would be like not to have any contact at all. But then again this sort of thing happens all the time.

Karol

[Josh500 1,620]

You have this

Very good relationship with mother, good relationship with my father.

So obviously, your case is slightly different from mine or Steef's or Quint's.

Yeah, it happens. But then, that's life.

All I can say if when I have kids, I know I want to be there for them...

[alicebrallice 134]

my father passed away about 5 years ago (cancer), but I have a really good relationship with my mother - since I moved to norway we skype at least once a week and I just visited her over the weekend - takes about 10 hours (one way) by bus & train to go home!

[Josh500 1,620]

since I moved to norway we skype at least once a week and I just visited her over the weekend - takes about 10 hours (one way) by bus & train to go home!

If it's not too personal, may I ask why you moved to Norway?

Nothing to do with parents, I am just curious. What does Norway have that Sweden doesn't? Was it job-related? Just looking for a change of scenery? Friends? A guy?

[alicebrallice 134]

it was job-related, the pay here is so much better (but the rents and food prices etc are higher), it's extremely hard to get a job in sweden if you've just finished high school and don't have too much experience. but swedes have a good reputation in norway, apparently we're hard workers and I've got some friends here, so that's nice.

also, I got really sick of my hometown.

[Miguel Andrade 1,725]

Great relation with both (though even better with my mother) and deeply love the both of them.

As time goes by, and the ephemerality of all this we call life seems more and more apparent, I try to spend the most time I can with them.

[Muad'Dib 2,059]

When I moved to the capital city (Buenos Aires) and had to leave my home town due to studies, I started really appreciating my family and what I had left behind... In fact, me moving away really improved my relationship with my parents, mainly because I can enjoy more every time they come to visit or I go visit them.

They divorced in 2005, if I recall correctly, and I always had problems in handling each one's time. When I was with one, I felt like I was neglejecting the other. But now I feel that I can handle visiting them separately and handle each one's time correctly and rightfully.

So, very good relationship with both and I love them equally. I never cared for loving one over the other, it's just stupid in my book. But that's because they always loved and supported me in the same ways.

[JoeinAR 1,957]

My dad is dead for 32 years now, my birth father died 6 weeks before I was born. My mom is in poor health but still goes on as best she can. She's one of my best friends. She a tough ole bird. I talk to her every day on the phone and I drive to Little Rock ever other week to see here. Sunday will be her 75 birthday and I'll take her out to eat somewhere, her choice (really mine as she'll say go where you want). Maybe Copeland's cajun restaurant?

Btw I loved my Dad alot. Still think of him always, but he was always second fiddle to my mom. I have one sibling, a sister and if Josh does a poll on that we have a great relationship. My family was always a lovey dovey family.

[Jeff 10]

I'm somewhat amused that there is an option for a "missing" parent - not just estranged, but actually missing. Anybody had a parent on the Costa Concordia?

[Jay 46,241]

Mine disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle!

[Josh500 1,620]

it was job-related, the pay here is so much better (but the rents and food prices etc are higher), it's extremely hard to get a job in sweden if you've just finished high school and don't have too much experience. but swedes have a good reputation in norway, apparently we're hard workers and I've got some friends here, so that's nice.

also, I got really sick of my hometown.

Ah OK, gotcha.

To be honest, this freedom of movement thing within the EU keeps fascinating me. Probably the best thing about the EU. I've lived in Munich, Germany for a time, now I am living in London, UK . . . and I've considered living for a extended period in Spain, Italy, and Sweden. Even some of the Baltic states like Lithuania and Latvia. Really nice up there, quiet, peaceful.

Even if you never actually DO move to these countries, it's nice to know that you could, any time, without any visa or permit hassles whatsoever.

I'm somewhat amused that there is an option for a "missing" parent - not just estranged, but actually missing. Anybody had a parent on the Costa Concordia?

Well, to be fair, "missing" is in parent-hesis, no pun intended!

_________

Ah, it just occurred to me, Norway isn't part of the EU at all (although it's part of the Schengen area). But you know what I mean!

[alicebrallice 134]

Ah OK, gotcha.

To be honest, this freedom of movement thing within the EU keeps fascinating me. Probably the best thing about the EU. I've lived in Munich, Germany for a time, now I am living in London, UK . . . and I've considered living for a extended period in Spain, Italy, and Sweden. Even some of the Baltic states like Lithuania and Latvia. Really nice up there, quiet, peaceful.

Even if you never actually DO move to these countries, it's nice to know that you could any time.

it's without a doubt the best thing about EU. and you should definitely try living in (or at least visit?) sweden! it's absolutely magical during the summer. although living in london must be pretty great too, had such a good time last time I went.

[josefsuma 10]

Ah OK, gotcha.

To be honest, this freedom of movement thing within the EU keeps fascinating me. Probably the best thing about the EU. I've lived in Munich, Germany for a time, now I am living in London, UK . . . and I've considered living for a extended period in Spain, Italy, and Sweden. Even some of the Baltic states like Lithuania and Latvia. Really nice up there, quiet, peaceful.

Even if you never actually DO move to these countries, it's nice to know that you could any time.

it's without a doubt the best thing about EU. and you should definitely try living in (or at least visit?) sweden! it's absolutely magical during the summer. although living in london must be pretty great too, had such a good time last time I went.

I agree, I am thinking about some small visit of scandinavia since Joseph Williams (John's son) making a lot of concerts here.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

I love my parents, but I don't like them.

Huh?

In my opinion, you either love, like, or dislike somebody... but whatever.

It's simple. Love and like are two completely different things. I love them because they're my parents, but I don't like them as people. I don't enjoy spending time with them.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

Thats family.

[Quintus 6,494]

I'm the opposite. When I lived at home my mother and I couldn't stand each other. Now when the family gets together there's hearty laughs all round - in fact my mum usually ends up in tears of laughter, for most of the time. It's like a release for her.

Family is good - in small doses.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

Family is good - in small doses.

Can't argue with that.

It was better before my brother moved out. Now whenever they want to talk to me its regarding personal stuff that I don't want to discuss with them.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

Just come out to them! Dont be ashamed of what you are. Even if its unnatural, unholy and a little dirty...

[Red 75]

I'm the opposite. When I lived at home me and my mother couldn't stand each other. Now when the family gets together there's hearty laughs all round - in fact my mum usually ends up in tears of laughter, for most of the time. It's like a release for her.

Family is good - in small doses.

At a certain point separation is healthy.

[Donna Lackluster 23]

“Oh, my parents were horrible, evil people. I only wish they were still alive, so I could kill them.”

Leonard Rosenman

[indy4 160]

Love both my parents enough to choose option 1, although recently my relationship with my dad has felt a little bit of tension.

My father has contracted cancer a few years ago, and I am thinking he doesn't have long to live.

He's asked to see me--but I am not sure I want to! When I have had a bad relationship with him for the past 20 years (and I haven't seen him for the last 10),why would I want to see him now? Certainly not just because he is dying!

And no, I don't think I will regret it if I don't go see him again.

Of course you are the only one who can make the decision, but I would consider that people change, especially in 10 years. Maybe that possibility isn't enough to undo the damage, but it's worth considering (if you haven't already).

I personally get all emotional at the thought of an old person on their deathbed all alone, thinking themselves to be a failure (but since I know nothing about their deeds maybe that's exactly what they deserve!).

[Josh500 1,620]

it's without a doubt the best thing about EU. and you should definitely try living in (or at least visit?) sweden! it's absolutely magical during the summer. although living in london must be pretty great too, had such a good time last time I went.

Yeah, I know. I've already visited Stockholm and Uppsala!

I can definitely see myself living there... My Swedish is atrocious, but most people there know English, so it won't be a problem, I think!

Family is good - in small doses.

Can't argue with that.

It was better before my brother moved out. Now whenever they want to talk to me its regarding personal stuff that I don't want to discuss with them.

Hmmm, you're 21?

Maybe time to get your own place! (I got mine when I was 21.)

[Maglorfin 219]

I see my mother once a month or so, and we have a pretty good relationship since I've bought and moved into my own place with my girlfriend. Before that, we used to have a lot of arguments, mainly because my mum didn't want me and my GF in our house and wanted me/us to move out as soon as possible (and, to be honest, so did I). She's always been pretty strict and severe in upbringing so we used to argue a lot because of that too. Luckily, I was never a problem child.

Otherwise, my parents divorced when I was about 5 (later, they both remarried, had two more kids and a happy family life so I guess the divorce was a right choice for them both), after which I continued to see my father on a regular basis, but in the last few years, I've hardly ever seen him or indeed had any contact with him. It's not as if we ever had any bad argument or anything, he's really an OK guy, but somehow that's what happened. Maybe I'll call him again after this topic and poll actually gave me some thought and inspiration.

[Josh500 1,620]

More people seem to have a better relationship with their mothers than with their fathers...

I wonder why.

[Koray Savas 2,260]

it's without a doubt the best thing about EU. and you should definitely try living in (or at least visit?) sweden! it's absolutely magical during the summer. although living in london must be pretty great too, had such a good time last time I went.

Yeah, I know. I've already visited Stockholm and Uppsala!

I can definitely see myself living there... My Swedish is atrocious, but most people there know English, so it won't be a problem, I think!

Family is good - in small doses.

Can't argue with that.

It was better before my brother moved out. Now whenever they want to talk to me its regarding personal stuff that I don't want to discuss with them.

Hmmm, you're 21?

Maybe time to get your own place! (I got mine when I was 21.)

I'd love nothing more than to have my own place.

[Josh500 1,620]

But you don't because...?

[Maglorfin 219]

More people seem to have a better relationship with their mothers than with their fathers...

I wonder why.

Maybe it's because they carried and delivered us into this world. It is said to be a very intimate connection.

[Josh500 1,620]

Isn't it said that guys tend to have a better relationship with their mothers whereas girls have a better relationship with their fathers?

And we're mostly guys here (with a few notable exceptions)!

[Ricard 2,671]

More people seem to have a better relationship with their mothers than with their fathers...

I wonder why.

That was my case too.

Isn't it said that guys tend to have a better relationship with their mothers whereas girls have a better relationship with their fathers?

And we're mostly guys here (with a few notable exceptions)!

True, that has to be the reason.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

Your tribute to your father a few years ago was full of love though.

[hornist 1,261]

Edited because of mild violence

[Datameister 2,586]

I have an extremely good relationship with my mom and dad. Both are extremely supportive and reasonable and amazing and whatnot. I wouldn't say I love either of them more, although I felt a little more warm and fuzzy toward my mom when I was a kid. Nowadays, I simply appreciate the slight differences in my relationships with both of 'em. They're honestly the best parents I could possibly imagine.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,386]

What happened datameister? What did you repress?

[Koray Savas 2,260]

But you don't because...?

I thought it was obvious. Money.

[Romão 2,473]

Reading all these life stories, I actually feel very lucky, as I've always had a great relationship with my parents, we never had any rough patches. My older brother, however, hasn't spoken with my father for nearly 20 years, and I do get a feeling I had it somewhat easier as a consequence

[Josh500 1,620]

There are some things in life that are irreplaceable and invaluable, having a deep impact on a person's entire life.

One is a happy childhood.

Another is having a good relationship with their parents.

And those two things are connected, of course!

[Miguel Andrade 1,725]

Reading all these life stories, I actually feel very lucky, as I've always had a great relationship with my parents, we never had any rough patches. My older brother, however, hasn't spoken with my father for nearly 20 years, and I do get a feeling I had it somewhat easier as a consequence

Well, I too had a rought time with my dad. For several years our conversations were reduced to a "good day to you" kind of thing. It took a lot of time to sort things around, but when we did, all went back into track and I guess I could call our current relation as a very close one -- or as much as one can have a close relation with my dad, as he is a very tight kind of person. Actually, I guess that's the main reason why both me and my brother end up being more at ease with our mother.

[Thor 9,362]

it was job-related, the pay here is so much better (but the rents and food prices etc are higher), it's extremely hard to get a job in sweden if you've just finished high school and don't have too much experience. but swedes have a good reputation in norway, apparently we're hard workers and I've got some friends here, so that's nice.

also, I got really sick of my hometown.

Yeah, the Swedes are by far the biggest immigrant community in Norway. They are especially prevalent in the service industries (pubs, hotels, restaurants etc.). It's an interesting phenomenon, as many seem to come here for the higher pay, but then live as cheaply as possible to gain the benefit. Vice versa, many Norwegians close to the Swedish border take trips over there to buy cheaper foods and goods (meat, licor, tobacco etc.). I just had one myself a couple of weeks ago. I'm glad Norway is not part of the EU, but I sometimes wonder if our prices had been adjusted somewhat if we were.

Back to the topic at hand, I have always had an excellent relationship to my mother. Not so much my father, even though it has ameliorated somewhat after I moved out 16 years ago (yikes, has it been that long?). I would describe it as chilly, but decent. I still come home every Christmas and the occasional holiday to spend time with them. And my mom, in particular, often comes to Oslo. But my dad and I have too many 'skeletons in the closet' to really get a good relationship.