DEAR ABBY: At what age should parents stop worrying about you? I am 41 years old, but in my parents' eyes I am still a child.
I am an independent woman and feel like I am not living the life I deserve, and I don't think it's fair. I do everything by myself, and I want them to know that if something happens to them, I'll be fine, and they should stop worrying. Am I wrong to feel this way? -- DEBORAH IN OHIO
DEAR DEBORAH: You are not wrong. However, your parents may be clinging to you not because they are worried about what will happen to you if something happens to them. They may be clingy because they are worried about what will happen to them if something happens to you.