<p>Parents like kids have trouble separating when the kids go off to college. Some parents because very nit picky and controlling. My Mom was like this. I know being on the receiving end is very painful.</p>
<p>All I can suggest is for you to realize this is not your fault. You didn’t cause it. You can’t control it. You aren’t responsible for changing her behavior.</p>
<p>You can let her know that you appreciate the sacrifices she’s making for your college education. At the same time, when you do this, realize that your expressing appreciation won’t change her behavior because her behavior isn’t your fault.</p>
<p>It’s good that you don’t end up shouting at her or anything like that. See if you can find a way that you can protect yourself from her behavior while continuing not to be mean to her in retaliation. Perhaps talking to a trusted friend or venting in a journal would help you. Counseling also may help so you are able to enjoy your college experiences without having your mom’s words suck the joy out of what should be a fulfilling time in your life.</p>
<p>I can not tell you how much I relate. As I went off to college, my mother criticized everything about me. Everything. I was in such turmoil when I went to college. It took me years to realize that she was very proud of me, she loved me very much, and it was hard for her when I left since I was her closest friend. Her reaction, though, wasn’t my fault, and I wish I had had ways back then of coping so that I was in cheerier spirits when I started college.</p>