Re: ...Cultural Clash...
Shikra, I agree, its quite hard on your part esp since there's pressure. When we go against their wishes, things set off in the wrong pattern, as in a domino set... Try not to bring it to a point where you have to face them or argue to a point of yes or no. No matter how over protective they are, at the end of the day, they're our paretns...We'll regret it later even if they are wrong... I hope you understand what I'm trying to say here.
About the calling issue...maybe its a guy thing... I mean, I was away from family for five years...and I just had to talk to them every single day! Just couldnt sleep otherwise... My bro, ever since he's moved away, he calls atleast twice a day too.. I think this is because my parents are more like our friends rather than the typical desi ammi abbu k call kyoun nahi ki, kahan bz they....If he doesnt call, my mom calls and leaves a mssg at the end of the day asking if everything is ok...i dont find anything wrong with this...they've spent their lives raising us adn now as we move apart, it isnt so easy on them as they're getting old...for us, its just a phase of life with new adventures, partners, experiences, etc...