knittnkitten wrote:well, we came to a compromise... I can go, but dad is driving me down there and dropping me off at the convention center. *rolls eyes* because I clearly cannot drive the two lane road down there.
I was going to ask if you were from a country and/or culture where children were treated like property but I see your avatar/info thing on the side says Ohio.
I'm sorry if I sound like a jerk but I'm going to put on my "direct and to the point hat." Since you posted it on the public forum I guess you're ok with a response here as well. There's nothing normal or healthy about parents telling a mid-20's adult child they can or can't do anything. Of course there are mitigating circumstances. We're assuming the car is legally yours to drive, and assuming you're of sound mind, that your parents don't hold power of attorney over you. If they're not responsible for you, as in you're capable of decision-making and have no mental handicaps that might render you unable to complete tasks in a safe manner, then your parents have no authority over you. Didn't you say you were 27 and have a drivers license? I don't know your living situation or the degree to which you're dependent on them, but the root of the problem doesn't change.
There's no legal authority that says they can tell you when and where to go in your free time. Even if you're living in their home, eating their food, and surviving off their income they can't restrict your freedom. They don't have to let you borrow THEIR car, but they can't restrict your use of your own legally owned car. They don't have to give you money for the Con, but they can't restrict your freedom.
Technically it's like holding a slave. If adults are unduly restraining the freedom of a sovereign adult it's slavery. Honestly, what else would any of you call it?
Your dad driving you somewhere against your wishes (when you'd rather drive yourself) is not a compromise. It's control. Manipulation. It robs you of your freedom. It's enslavement. The conclusion to that end is that it's an abusive, disrespectful relationship that seeks to undermine your individual power. It is destructive to the natural development of an adult woman.
My advice is to seek counseling from someone willing to listen to you and help you find lasting solutions to the problem. I certainly wish you all the best.