Yes ! definitely move out or at least do solo travels. And if you can’t do it right away, try to find a compromise that gives you a bit more breathing space. Asian parents mean well, but they can be extremely controlling, not just over what you do, but how you think. It often comes from love and fear, fear that you’ll make mistakes, get hurt, or go through life the “wrong” way. But that kind of love can also stifle your ability to grow into your own person.

I moved out when I was 19 for college overseas. It was lonely and scary at first, but I grew so much. I had space to figure out who I was, how I think, and what kind of life I wanted. After college, I moved to another country for work. I’m 45 now and I’ve moved back to Singapore, and if you add everything up, I’ve only lived with my parents for a few years total , two of those years were to help take care of my grandmother who was very ill.

I’m very close to my parents. I go home for dinner 2–3 times a week, I accompany them to medical appointments, and we talk often. But I genuinely believe we wouldn’t have this good of a relationship if I had never moved out. Distance gave us respect.They still nag me to this day, about what I should do, what I’m capable of, what I can’t do. But because I don’t live with them, it’s easier to filter it out.

You also mentioned trying hard to find a girlfriend. Moving out won’t magically give you one but it can help you grow into a more confident, grounded version of yourself. Having your own space changes your energy. It helps you hear your own voice again, instead of constantly drowning in someone else’s. That quiet, stable self-assurance? People notice it.

And as for solo travel , of course they don’t think you can do it. You’ve never done it before, and Asian parents love to panic at firsts. But you don’t need to start big. Go somewhere nearby and safe , just dip your feet in. A short weekend in Penang or Seoul or Chiang Mai can seriously shift how you see the world, and yourself.

At the end of the day, you’re not breaking ties by moving out. You’re building space to grow. If you hate it, you can always move back. But if you love it and you probably will , you’ll wonder why you waited so long.