I moved 2 and a half hours away when I went to college, so 18 was probably the last time I REALLY lived at home with my mom. And I will tell you, I don't think I could ever do it again. My mom is pretty controlling. She drives me up the wall even without living under the same roof!
Living in my own place throughout college really made me independent and kind of set in my ways. I would not want to have to live under her rules again. When I would go home for vacations and stuff, I was pretty much free to come and go as I pleased, she just asked that I let her know if I was going to be really late or not come home that night. Perfectly understandable because I know she worried.
After I graduated, I considered moving back to Dallas and home, but instead decided to just pick up my life and move to a city where I didn't know anyone and just be out on my own. And I still think it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It made me responsible for myself very quickly. She ended up moving down to Austin almost a year after I did. I know she mainly did it to be closer to me (hello- only child), but at that point, it just felt really good to have her at least in the same city again.
When money was really tight for me a few months ago, I debated whether I should move back in with her for awhile or get a teeny tiny efficiency on my own. I decided to stay on my own, mainly because it is just better for my relationship with her. We get along MUCH better when we don't live together.
I feel like right now I have the best of both worlds.... I can take care of myself and support myself, but my mom is wonderful and she is close enough that if and when I need something she can help. It is great.
I completely understand some people moving back home for awhile to get on their feet... But I don't really understand people just living at home to mooch off their parents, or guys who live at home because their mother babies them so much and they don't want to have to take care of themselves.
Also, I don't think that my family would ever be the kind to say, "You can't leave home until you're married." I'm way too independent for that.
I think alot of parent's would be proud to see their kids out there on their own trying to take care of themselves. As I told my mom, they should be proud to have raised such independent, strong, and competent adults.
Not trying to say that people who live at home aren't, but you know what I mean.
Sorry for the long post.