Dad, I've Grown Up

This phone conversation took place last night.
Parties: Myself (in KL) and my father (in Segamat, Johor)

Dad (who was in KL the day before): Eh, I think your toothpaste is finishing soon. I will go to the supermarket later. Which brand you want?
Me: Err... I will buy myself la~
Dad: I will buy Colgate Total la. It should be alright, right?
Me: Ya it's ok. I can get it myself here.
Dad: Never mind la. You want the paste type or gel type? Or you want other brands?
Me (a bit agitated): It's OKAY, no need. I can buy myself.
Dad: Or you want the one with mint?
Me (gave up): Anything will do.

Yup. My dad still treats me like a child, even though I am already 24 (old enough to be a dad) and already working. My parents don't let me drive back to my hometown because they still think that my driving skills are not up-to-the-level. They still call me when I was out to remind me about trivial matters that I could obviously handle, such as "remember not to leave your phone and wallet on the table ya. There are a lot of snatch thieves."

Hello, I could live in UK for 2 years without problems, I cooked my meals, I did my laundry, I managed my exams, I organised trips to Europe with friends, I even planned my parents' trip to Venice, and I successfully graduated. I just don't comprehend; why do they still see me as a kid?

I guess this happens to a lot of youngest children. Parents will always perceive them as young and therefore they care a lot (perhaps more than they should have) because they think the children can't take good care of themselves. My mum once told me, "you're not fully 'grown-up' yet until you got MARRIED and have a family". OMG.

I mean, don't get me wrong, I appreciate my parents' unconditional love and pamper, and I know I might be rude to them at times (out of frustration). However sometimes you just feel "suffocated" when you dad/mum calls you late at night when you are out with your friends for late night tea session, asking you "It's late already. What time are you coming back? Be careful when driving into the car porch. Burglars might sneak in whilst the electronic gate is open". Luckily they don't do this to me anymore since I came back from UK. No late night calls to me when I am playing mahjong at friend's house during CNY. Well, that's a good sign.

Dad and Mum, I am perfectly capable of handling my own life. Thanks for your love and concern but sometimes I think you need to let go a little so your son can learnt more in life and be more matured.