There comes a stage in life where every child must learn how to stand on their own two feet - and not rely on their parents for everything.
For some, this comes earlier than others. But one student has been left worried her boyfriend ought to catch up with his peers after she realised just how much control his mum has over his life.
The 18-year-old student thinks her boyfriend, 19, is not given 'enough freedom as an adult'.
Two of her main concerns are that his mum tracks his location and sets his curfew.
Relaying her side of the story in a post to Reddit, the concerned partner wrote: "His parents are really strict and their parenting style is very different from my own.
"I don't think one of the parenting styles is inherently better."
However, she did go on to say she wishes something would change, particularly because she worries their parenting style diminished her boyfriend's self-esteem.
Giving an example, she said: "Quick anecdote, we are finishing the semester, and he really struggles with math, we both definitely need to work on our prioritization and time management skills, but it feels like his parents (his mum in particular) don't allow him to figure it out for himself.
"They have told him that he has disappointed them, which is one of his biggest fears."
The student added: "They also have a tracking app they have for their kids which tells them their location at all times, and they still give them a curfew despite being at college. I feel like they don't give him enough freedom as an adult."
As such, she was keen to offer her boyfriend support. "I tried to explain the reason why it keeps coming to my mind, and that I really do like his parents, but that it hurts me to see that things that say leave him worse off or even crying.
"I feel like he is becoming motivated in school just to not disappoint his parents, or receive backlash from his mum," her post outlined.
However, when her partner defended his parents, she started to wonder if she was wrong to share her thoughts.
One commenter advised: "You can't critique his relationship with his parents and have him accept it at face value. This is his battle and he needs to figure it out. If he sees no issue with it, when you prod and poke it will only worsen your relationship with him."
Meanwhile, another replied: "You weren't insulting or talking down about his parents. You were merely showing concern for his well-being and trying to be supportive. I hope things get better for you."
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