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Singaporean Man Faces Backlash From US Friends for Living With Parents, Sparks debate on Cultural Norms
A 28-year-old Singaporean man’s frustration over being judged by American friends for choosing to live with his parents has ignited a conversation online about differing cultural expectations surrounding adulthood and independence. The man turned to Reddit to question whether his living situation was truly unusual, emphasizing that he contributes financially and enjoys a harmonious relationship with his family.
The initial post quickly gained traction, highlighting a stark contrast in societal norms between the United States and Singapore – and beyond. The man explained, “I’m 28, have a decent income, and could rent a room comfortably if I wanted to. But I’m still living with my parents and honestly, life is quite normal… there’s space, no one is controlling me, and we all get along. I help with bills,I come and go freely,and it doesn’t feel like a child situation at all.” He recounted the dismissive reactions from his US-based friends, who often respond with comments like, “Bro, you’re almost 30, why are you still at home?”
The Reddit thread quickly became a platform for sharing diverse perspectives on multigenerational living. One user powerfully asserted, “Why do you care so much about what others think? If you truly want to have a happier life, ignore what others think and don’t seek validation from others. Just do YOUR way. It is YOUR life. They laugh and mocked your choices? Then it shows their character and toxicity. Why would you want to hang out with these people then?”
The discussion also revealed the often-harsh realities faced by young adults in the United States. As one commenter pointed out, “There are many parents in the US who literally put their child’s stuff in trash bags and kick them out after they turn 18.” this stark contrast underscores the differing levels of social safety nets and familial support available in each country.
Several respondents shared that living with parents well into one’s 30s is increasingly common in Singapore and other parts of Asia. “Actually, I find it pretty common among my peers for single people to live with their parents until they’re 35. I’d be shocked if a single person moved out before 35,” one user stated. “Can’t compare it with the US (or even Malaysia), where the country is so big, and you have to move out if you work in the next state.”
The financial benefits of remaining at home were also a key point of discussion. One individual shared their perspective on prioritizing homeownership over renting, stating, “My friend in his 40s still lives with his parents. I even have friends who are married (some with kids too), who still live with their parents. So it’s perfectly fine. Not like you are a free-loader. In my opinion, never rent a place to stay unless you have no other choice. Buy a house instead. A simple 2RM HDB or 1BR condo unit (if you can finance it) is also better than throwing away your monthly expenses on rent. Investing in property is a good way for financial freedom in future also. Plus,in the
