Daniella, I know we live in a culture that prides itself on independence, and where children are supposed to leave home. But that's all a myth of our society, and a recent one.

There is nothing like other people for comfort, and no one as good as a good mother. If you and your mother get along well, I'd want to ask you: why doesn't she want you to continue living with her? Maybe she misunderstands your situation. Or maybe she's bought into this idea of independence for all.

It's not a failure to feel lonely on your own; it's normal. And it's hard to have a social life when you are not well and in pain. I'm divorced, and I try to date, but there's no way I can date when I'm feeling awful. That's when I just want some comfort from familiar people. I'm lucky that my kids are home from college for the summer, because I'm having a pretty bad streak. But I can tell you, if I didn't have kids, and my mother was a comforting person and not a frail 90 and needing care, (I'm in my 50s) I'd move in with her in a heartbeat. If she'd have me. So I think your desire to be with her is normal, healthy, and a sign that she is able to comfort you.

Do you think you can make her understand that this is very helpful to your overall stress level, which in turn affects your pain and functioning. maybe you'll be more able to help in the house than you were--cooking and picking up?

Can you try negotiating something with her?