What advice would you give this 25-year-old?

[Like2Plan]

Our DS didn't totally move out until he graduated from college. He had room mates for about a year and a half after that-- They were all good people, but even so he was so glad when he could get a place all by himself. So, maybe that is what your cousin is working on.
One thing you could do is include your cousin in your social circle. Maybe that would encourage him to get out and meet people a little more.

[dawnwes]

Actually, moving out and living on your own before marriage is a fairly new societal norm. In the old days, one did live with parents far longer, or until marriage. In fact, many cultures still do.

I knew a guy who lived with his parents until age 29. He saved so much from age 22-29, that he was able to pay almost 100% cash for a starter home.

I have no problem with people living at home. We have even discussed getting an in-law suite or guest house when we move. I have mentioned it before, but my oldest has some special needs and will most likely be with us a long time. It would be nice for him to have his own space within our space. Although I thought it would be cool to get him a tiny house and put it on our property too.

Dawn

I don't understand what this has to do with anything. Living on his own won't require him to be more socially outgoing or meet new people any more than living with his parents does. I've lived on my own since graduating college. I lived alone for 7 years until I got married. It wasn't because I was socially awkward. I had friends who I got together with regularly. I was also in grad school for the first 4 of those years.

For some reason that is beyond my comprehension, staying at home with the parents has become the new normal.

[ua_guy]

During and after college it was just time to move on and have my own place. My parents are wonderful people but their house and privacy is theirs, they worked to have it, and they supported me enough already. After college, it was time to become a true adult, and on my own dime, get out and do my own thing. I had already had lots of practice living on my own while going to school.

I think it's one of those things--you either get it, or you don't. There were a lot of trying times, but that's the point. The reverse is the thrill of making it on your own, being the master of your own domain, and not answering to anyone except those that you personally invite into that space.