... I still hide my growing and consumption from my mother ...
But it's your place ... ain't it?
When I was still living at home, my Parental Units always ruled by their golden rule "as long as you are living under our roof ... you WILL follow our rules!" A line that was used on me continuously until I moved out in 1983.
Anyway, this past summer, we were at a funeral for one of my uncles and a somewhat tense conversation (I had not seen any of them in 17+ years so things were a little tense), I casually told my Mom and sisters, herein referred to as
The Ilk, that I grew and have for over 6 years. Heck I even showed The Ilk some of my best pictures. I always have a few hundred on the phone.
That "Oh ... we are so disappointed in you!" scowl came across all three of The Ilk's faces. Shaming was another trick they tried continuously until I moved out in 1983. I just looked at The Ilk and chuckled "I ain't living under your roof anymore ..."