DEAR CAROLYN: My 18-year-old son began his first relationship
with a 20-year-old girl. They've been attending community
college together and started as friends. He sees his friends,
although he spends the rest of his time either texting, Skyping
or spending time with her.  They are both leaving home for
different four-year universities. I was looking forward to the
university further progressing his independence -- new people,
new activities, etc. However, their universities are within
eight miles of each other, and they found free shuttles between
the schools. They both have anxiety in public places, so I'm
afraid they're just going to reinforce each other's weaknesses
and spend all their time in each other's dorm rooms rather than
taking advantage of the university experience.   Worried Mom
DEAR WORRIED: Mom wants to instruct adult son on independence.
If it helps, consider the reason you care so much about his
branching out. There was a time in your life when you chose the
safer, don't-branch-out route