How can I tell my father that I'm old enough to take care of myself?

Question

My father is a military man and he's a bit overprotective. I cannot seem to enjoy my single life. I know he's just trying to protect me but I'm too old for that. To be honest, I've never been into a bar or partying with my friends at night. He's strict when it comes to time. I love my father so much but I'm afraid to tell him that I have my own life.

Answer 1

You don't have to be so blunt or cruel. The military way of thinking is to be tactful in a situation such as this. Try this, tell him that you are your fathers daughter, He brought you up extremely well and that you choose to continue to honor that upbringing in everything you do.
You might suggest that in the military when he trains a soldier, at some point he has to let the soldier go on his own to use all the training he so diligently gave him. The only difference between you and that soldier, is that you Love your Dad and will continue to have him in your life.
Being fanatical about punctuality is a result of his military back ground (been there, done that) and you will not change that because you cannot go wrong by being punctual.
Good luck!!

Answer 2

tough question to answer unless we know more, like are you 16 or 26?

My first answer though is that you cannot "tell" anyone that you can take care of yourself, you can only show them.

in general parents can be too overprotective just because they love you and want no harm to come to you, but at some point you have to be able to live your life

if you are over 18 and still living at home because you cannot support yourself "in the style to which you are accustomed" you're going to be chafing at the bit until you can create some more freedom for yourself

Have you tried taking over your own expenses to show that you are ready for independence? Can you make a car payment? and pay for your own insurance? and buy groceries? the more of these things that you do, the more independent you are. Otherwise it's just talk.

Answer 3

If you are old enough to go into a bar legally, you are old enough to take care of yourself, but you might not be mature enough. The reason I say this is, I wonder why you have to consult your dad on this. Are you still living with him? If so, maybe it's time for you to make a cost/benefit analysis. What are the benefits of living at home, and what are the disadvantages? Then talk calmly with your dad about what you want to do and what he will allow, since he does have the right to make rules in his own house.
If you can't agree, you have every right to move out and support yourself. This might be a good idea at your age anyway. Then you can learn the skills of living independently, and make your own rules.
Of course your dad's rules may be wiser than you think; but you have the right to support yourself.

Answer 4

No matter how old you are your dads always gona be overprotective. I know because my dad use to be the same way with me! You just have to talk to him one on one. Let him know you understand hes trying to protect you but you need your space...your time to go out and enjoy being single. Just let him know he can trust you!

Answer 5

Well, I would say if you still live with him, you should respect his rules. However, I have an overprotective mother, and it has ruined my social life as well as my social skills. You need to let him know you will never grow if he doesn't let you go. And if you still live with him, explain to him that you need to be prepared for the day that you are on your own..

Answer 6

Go Right Out And Tell Him!


Good Luck!

Answer 7

One day he wont be around to want to take care of you and trust me you will miss that more than you know, so why say anything. Maybe he feels better when he thinks that you still need him. Nothing wrong with that.

Answer 8

How old are you? If you're under 18, you won't be telling him anything. You're his responsibility until you're 18. If you're 32, you might want to get him some professional help.