I always dreamed of moving in with friends — but at 28, I've only ever lived with my parents

I feel so lucky that living at home has brought me closer to my parents.

Emma Ruben I always daydreamed about living with friends, but at 28, I've only ever lived with my parents .

There are downsides, but I've been able to save up to buy a house and become closer to my family.

I've also learned many interpersonal skills that I'll bring with me when I move in with my partner.

When I was 16, living with my parents was a drag.

It felt like they always wanted to know where I was going, when I was coming home, and who I was going out with.

I dreamed of the day I would move into a house with my friends.

Shows like "The Bold Type" and "Girls" had me fantasizing about living in a tiny apartment in New York, hanging out on the couch, and ordering pizza for dinner.

I always thought one day, I would inevitably find myself in the right circumstances where I would move out with some friends or housemates — but at 28, I'm still living at home.

The older I got, the more apparent it became to me that I liked living with my family , and I didn't feel a rush to leave.

Now, I'm preparing to move into a new house with my soon-to-be husband, and I'll never get to live that girlhood dream.

I have no regrets about how things shook out, though.

I've been able to save money and learn invaluable life skills There are pros and cons to living at home.

Emma Ruben Admittedly, in some ways, living at home has given me less freedom: Blasting music at midnight is a no-go, and often everyone's trying to use the kitchen at the same time.