Why do people have to be so judgmental about a 30 year-old living with a parent?

A lot of it has to do with society's expectations. There's a certain 'bucket list' of things you're supposed to have accomplished at various stages of life - and some of them are so ingrained, that anyone who doesn't follow the plan blindly, *must* have something wrong with them. But it doesn't matter.

You can just say that you have a mother whom you are providing pastoral care for - and there's many elderly people who have family look after them, so it's not like it's odd or unusual or rare to do that.

But mostly, when people get on your nerves, smile and say THANK YOU! then keep quiet. They won't know how to answer that. Which is great, because it starts to unravel their ego. Now, IF it irritates you, annoys or upsets you, then love the one who is feeling those emotions.

A wise teacher once said: Never explain and never complain. You do not have to justify yourself. The more you do, the worse it feels, right? That's because you're giving your power away. So. let them have their judgements, and avoid giving them any ammunition to shoot you down with, figuratively speaking. Your life is fine for you, and your mother. That's all that matters.

I think because people assume that you're getting a free ride if you live at home still but thats not always the case, as you have indicated.

Also I think it always feels a little odd to imagine a fully grown adult still living in the bedroom they had when they were a teenager.

Of course its everyones personal choice and its no one elses business.

The recession has opened the door to young adults living with their parents longer. I personally don't see an issue with this. I recently moved out at 25 and I have friends who live at home still.

Other people's opinions don't matter oonly yours and your mother's.

cause theyre jealous, you need to tell them to mind their own business