Possessive Love

I was talking to this woman about her relationship with her son.  She was extremely stressed out that her son was not doing well.  She was worried about him returning home late and not doing well in school. She was worried that he wasn’t well doing well emotionally.  I found out he was actually 28 years old and in medical school.  There was no doubt she loved her son.  But to an observer, her love was very oppressive.   In the same fashion, some people feel signs of jealousy and possessiveness is a sign of caring.  She had an almost compulsive need to be a part of her son’s life.  She constantly felt the need to help him and worry for him, because he didn’t care enough for himself. 

In my opinion, allowing someone to live their own lives is the best you can do for them.  Sometimes you may regret your decisions, but I cannot tell you how many people feel completely dissatisfied if they believe they are followed paths in live to please others.  When navigating the game of life 99% of the time you're probably slightly off-course, but 99% of the time you're heading in the right direction and you'll get there.  In all honesty, the best thing, which we can give those we love, is our trust and respect that they’ll be able to overcome the hardships in their life, and to give them the security that we’ll always be there for them no matter what happens.