Today is my daughter’s birthday. I don’t remember since when this practice has started, but she seldom stays at home on her birthday. She will be out for dinner or a party with her friends this year, too. I am glad that she has so many friends who celebrate her birthday with her , but on the other hand, I also feel a little lonely without her at home on her birthday.

But, looking back on my young days, I would often spend time with my friends on special days, too. After I left home for college, I was so often with my friends on my and their birthdays. My parents must have felt lonely then just like the way I feel now.

Is this something that proves she has outgrown her parents?