If I lived my life my mother's way, I definitely wouldn't be married to my husband now. (Ten years and counting. We're renewing our vows next month.) Why wouldn't I? Because I had to move thousands of miles away to make it possible. And if she had it her way, I'd still be living with her. Being told what time to go to bed. Being called awake in the morning. Being told where I may and may not go during the day, and being assigned chores around the house. Eating only the foods that she shops for and cooks, when she decides it's meal time. Even having her hold my hand when we cross the street.

I'm 54.