Still living at home at 28

I am twenty-eight, I have a full-time job, and I still live with my parents in Da Nang. In Vietnam, this is completely normal. Young people typically stay in the family home until they get married, and sometimes even after that. When I tell this to friends from other countries, though, they often look surprised.

My friend Emma, who grew up in England, moved out when she went to university at eighteen. She told me that in her town, a young adult who still lives at home is sometimes seen as lazy or not grown up. For her, having your own place is a sign of independence. She spends a large part of her salary on rent, but she says the freedom is worth it.

Personally, I see it differently. Living at home means I can save money, and I rely on my parents less than they rely on me. My father has problems with his knees, so I take him to the hospital for his check-ups. I also make a contribution to the household bills every month. For me, staying is not about comfort; it is about looking after each other.

Of course, it is not always easy. There is very little privacy, and my mother normally wants to know where I am going and when I will be back. Small disagreements can turn into real tension when we are tired. We have learnt to respect each other's space, for example by not entering a room without knocking.

Interestingly, things seem to be changing on both sides. Emma says that more young people in Britain now stay with their parents for longer, mainly because rents are so high. Meanwhile, some of my Vietnamese friends have moved into small flats of their own. Perhaps there is no right age to leave home. It depends on the family, the money and, naturally, the person.