A 22-Year-Old Man Changed His Style and Shared Hopes of Starting a Podcast. Now, His Mom Is ‘Worried' for His Future

Yahoo

18-05-2025

A mother raised concerns about her 22-year-old son in a post on the UK-based forum Mumsnet on Monday, May 12
Among her worries was his interest in the arts and decision to stop cutting his hair
"He used to be such a sensible boy," the mom said of her adult sonA mom is fearful for her adult son's future after noticing a change in his interests and personal style.
Expressing her concerns on the UK-based forum Mumsnet on Monday, May 12, the mother explained that she recently noticed several changes in her 22-year-old son's behavior. She listed signs that she believes demonstrate he won't become the 'dependable' and 'sensible' man that she and her husband had hoped for.
'He seems to be keen on the arts,' the mom wrote. 'He's been talking about starting a podcast with his friends and he's stopped cutting his hair and is getting a ridiculous mullet to go alongside a wispy mustache, which looks so untidy."
'The other day he tried to show me a video of Ed Sheeran where Ed Sheeran was showing off all his tattoos,' she continued, before adding, 'I am just worried that the artistic life is a struggle and certainly don't want him getting a tattoo he used to be such a sensible boy.'
'Am I overreacting?' the mom asked.
The post garnered hundreds of comments, with the majority of responses arguing that the mother should allow her son to make his own decisions.
Several people argued his actions weren't illegal and gave examples of decisions their own children made that they sat back and watched despite not agreeing with them.
'Mullets are on trend! Also, millions of people like Ed Sheeran,' one commenter wrote. 'Having tattoos and a mullet will not affect him in modern times. Starting a podcast suggests he is creative, charismatic, and confident."
'Aren't those good traits? Let him get on with it and stop being so judgmental,' they continued. 'Your 20s are when you explore your identity, and he had every right to do that.'
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Another person said, 'So long as he's working a day job to fund the pod and pay his way and not relying on you or the government for handouts then what's the issue?'
'OP [original poster], we've all been there with the dreadful haircuts, wispy taches, straggly beards,' a third chimed in. 'All you can do is roll your eyes inwardly and be glad that he's young and adventurous and having fun, and that there'll be another haircut along soon. Honestly, if this is as far as you get tested, you're a very lucky mother!'
Other commenters warned the mom that she could end up pushing her son away if she tries to dictate what he does.
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A few people also attempted to remind her that personal style and interests can change again at any time, what he does now may not determine his future.
A commenter wrote: 'So you don't like his hair and facial hair, interest in the arts, and the fact that he showed you an Ed Sheeran video, because clearly this means he will never settle down as a nice, dependable accountant married to a nice, sensible girl with 2 nice, sensible children, and spend his weekends washing the car and wearing gilets? Don't you think you're overreacting somewhat to a mullet and an Ed Sheeran video?'
Another added: 'Your son is an adult at 22, and can make his own choices. If you don't want to push him away then I wouldn't start trying to dictate what he can or cannot do, or what you think he should or should not do. He is old enough to work out what he enjoys/is a viable career and tattoos are a personal choice.'
Read the original article on People