oIn The Oranges, two suburban families are squeezed when a rebellious daughter Nina (Leighton Meester) returns home and begins an adulterous affair with long-time family friend David Walling (Hugh Laurie).  The story is told from the perspective of recent college grad/moved-back-in-with-her-parents, Vanessa (Alia Shawkat), who’s caught in the middle of it all.  Moving back home may not be the most ideal situation, but here are some tips we’ve learned from watching Vanessa maintain. 

  Tip #1:  Own Your Space – Remember that place you used to hide as a kid?  It could have been your favorite tree or a special nook where you built your forts?  Recreate that space for yourself now as an adult.  Find that one spot in your apartment or transform your bedroom or office and make it truly yours. It’s vital to your emotional and mental well being to have a place where you can unwind, cry, laugh, and sometimes hide from your…overbearing mother.

  Tip #2: Remember Your Parents Were Young Once Too – It’s normal to become irritated from the lack of privacy, but you can take this opportunity to learn something new about your parents.  They have vast insights at your disposal: embarrassing dating stories, financial woes, cooking tips and more! Save the money you’d use for a therapy session and tap into that parental resource of knowledge.  Like Carol (Allison Janney) and Nina (Leighton Meester), you might rediscover a connection you lost during those rebellious teenage years.

  Tip #3:  Keep Your Siblings Close – If your sibling doesn’t currently live at home, this actually works in your favor.  Not only does visiting your brother or sister give you more space, but depending on where they live, it also can double as a mini vacation. In exchange for room and board, you can also provide the most up-to-date family gossip to your estranged sibling. Vanessa’s older brother Toby (Adam Brody) was spared from learning of his father’s affair with his love interest but had his sister to soften the blow when he ultimately discover the truth.

  Tip #4:  Take on More Responsibility – Given today’s economic climate, many young adults live at home, but for those that have simply feared being leaving the comfort of the nest – perhaps try do take on a few activities that are normally outside your comfort zone.  Volunteer with a local charity or get a pet!  Look for a job with a leadership position to increase not only your experience but also your confidence.   Vanessa has her eyes on a dream job with a furniture design firm.  What motivates you to get you moving? 

  Tip #5:  Keep It Balanced – Living at home may not always enable you to play hostess for swanky dinner parties, but that’s no reason to hide inside.  Explore the advantages that come with living at home; like being able to venture out and escape to a party and then retreat to a quiet night with a new Blu-ray and your favorite sweet treat.

We hope that these tips will help you to survive family antics while pursuing “you-time” in the process.  For more lessons on how to deal from Vanessa be sure and check out The Oranges, available today on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy.