Aaahhh, Christmas-time. That time when you get to take a well-deserved break from work, when you're able to do all the things that you never get around to doing (read: all the "fun" stuff) and also that glorious time when you get to spend some quality time with your family....

... which inevitably leads to at least one humongous fight!

Yes, that's what I've just experienced. A major blow-up. Over something really quite silly (it always is). Almost feels like the clock's been turned back a couple of years and you're a sulky teenager again. Except this time around there is definite light at the end of the tunnel in the form of time constraints putting a limit on the happy holidays with your folks.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Yes, the mother-daughter relationship is a very complex one. On the one hand she wants the best for you, on the other hand she wants that "best" to fit in with her ideas for your lifestory. After all, this is the woman who was in charge of you from the very beginning, and that mothering instinct is so ingrained, that it must be hard to come to the realisation that, for the most part, you're not really needed anymore.

But of course she is. Needed, that is. Just in a (VERY) different way. The day-to-day activities are best left in the capable hands of her daughter. But there will come those times when her advice is much needed, as, let's face it, she has a lot more experience and is very willing to share her wisdom. But, and this is a very big BUT, this advice should only be dished out when requested.

Otherwise, just smile and nod...