By: Evelyn Turner

February 27, 2025

I’m 45 years old, and honestly, at this point, I just want to scream. It feels like everyone in my life—whether it’s work, family, or even my friends—can’t seem to understand the concept of personal space.

At work, it’s like I’m everyone’s go-to for everything. I can’t even take a lunch break without someone coming up to me asking for advice on something I know they’re fully capable of figuring out on their own. My boss? Don’t get me started. He’s needy as hell, constantly sending me emails about things that have nothing to do with me. And the worst part is, it doesn’t stop there. Half of the people I work with can’t even make a decision without me. I get it—we’re supposed to work together, but I don’t want to be the team’s unofficial babysitter. I just want to focus on my own work and get through the day.

Then there’s my mom. She’s always been controlling, but over the past few months, it’s escalated to the point where I can’t even make a simple decision without her questioning it. It’s like, no matter what I do, she has an opinion. I’m 45! I get that she’s my mom, but at this point, I feel like I can’t breathe without her looking over my shoulder. Every little thing I do gets scrutinized, and I’m just tired of it.

And then there’s my dad. He’s been a piece of work for as long as I can remember. He spent most of his life running around with women half his age, completely ignoring any kind of real relationship with me. But now? Now that he’s old and his “younger woman” is, well, no longer young, suddenly he’s trying to be “Dad” to me. I’ve always been the one he didn’t need, and now he’s showing up like he’s got something to offer. It’s like a late-life realization on his part, but it’s so forced. I just can’t shake the feeling that he’s only trying now because there’s no one else around.

Honestly, it’s overwhelming. I get that people change, but at this point, I don’t need anyone hovering over me anymore. I’m tired of people’s expectations. I’m tired of being everyone’s emotional crutch. I just want a little bit of peace.

Sometimes I think about how much easier life was before I became the one everyone turned to for answers. How much simpler it felt when I could just be me, without this constant pressure to keep everyone around me comfortable. But I guess that’s just part of getting older, isn’t it? Everyone starts needing you more when you least expect it.

I can’t help but wonder when it will all stop. When will I get a break from being the go-to person for everyone? I don’t know. All I know is that I’m ready for a change.