Grumble grumble, living with my parents sucks.

[Bassus Sanguinis]

Suing your parents.
It's the American way.

almost dropped from my chair


Seriously though, sure it has to end - they are way out of line - but since You're an adult person, can't You just make it an excuse for moving out? That's what I would have done, I guess.

Tell Your parents You know they've been talking with the FBI but it has to stop and that You'll be getting cash in the mail for the money laundry operations of the local Russian maf connection for the white slavery and drug trafficking at Your school - why else would You be wasting Your prescious time there - so be careful of opening the letters before You send them onwards unopened because it might cost You your life.

[devnulljp]

That's another idea. Mail yourself a photo of Osama Bin Drinkin with the word ANTHRAX scrawled across it and a handful of cornstarch in the envelope -- wait til they freak out opening it.
Mind you, in the land of the free, home of the brave that might get you an orange suit and a holiday in Cuba.

[snipelfritz]

Yeah, it's not that I think they're deliberately trying to spy on me or that I'm going to do some elaborate retaliation. I just think, when you're not the only one in the house, it's immensely disrespectful and inconsiderate to not check the name on a letter before you open it.

but yeah, if I were in a position where I could move out, I certainly would. Give it a little under a year and I'll be gone. Hopefully in Chicago or Minneapolis or some big city(hellz maybe NYC)

[Adoom]

Soooooo, my parent have taken a penchant to opening my mail. The first time it was unintentional, but still idiotic. Second time, just idiotic. This third time, I don't know why they thought it was acceptable. The letter was clearly for me from my school. We live at the same address. However, I am a legal adult.

The content of the letter is irrelevant. In fact, it's be something I'd have to discuss with them later anyway.

My understanding: Opening another legal adult's mail is a crime even when they share the same address. So what legal recourse would one have in these circumstances?

NOTE: I'm likely not going to do anything about this apart from the passive-aggressive diatribe I already gave them. I just had a long emotional day and this was something that had already gotten under my skin. Figured it might spark some interesting discussion.

My mother still opens mail delivered to my folks house sometimes. She often did when I lived at home. Anything that was a personal letter or anything, obviously not. It doesn't bother me. Never really did.

If it bothers you, forget the passive aggressive diatribes, and leave your shitty day at the door when you talk to them about it, that'll just breed tension.Just explain to them that you are notatall happy about them opening your mail, and you'd prefer if they didn't. Explain to them some privacy is important.Trust me, I had wars with my folks over some pretty awful stuff (from my end). I regret every one of them, they were unnecessary, draining, hurtful and could easily have been solved with more reasonable discussion.

The calm person in the argument usually wins.

The above was not meant in any talking down to you manner dudeski, just letting you know my experience in the situation, and advice I wish I'd gotten.

[bigchiefbc]

To answer your original question, yes, it is illegal. In fact, it's a federal felony, 18 USC 1702. To enforce it, you'd have to call the cops and press charges. They're subject to a huge fine and/or 5 years in jail. Probably not a good idea if you're dependent on them, and threatening them with that probably isn't a good idea either. It's a sucky situation dude. Your only realistic recourse is try to (somehow, some way) move out.

[jfrey]

Send a letter to yourself from a made up address and just put inside a note that says "DON'T OPEN OTHER PEOPLE'S FUCKING MAIL."

The "fucking" part is crucial. It has to be the written equivalent of blunt force trauma to be effective.

[McSpunckle]

They're probably only opening it to see if you've stopped disappointing them.

[Caesar]

I think you're just being pissy. Take a walk and relax.

[Derelict78]

They're probably only opening it to see if you've stopped disappointing them.

[culturejam]

They're probably only opening it to see if you've stopped disappointing them.

Holy fuck, this is classic.



Seriously though, Snipel, I can understand how you feel your privacy is being invaded a bit. The problem with living in someone else's house (and not being an equal partner financially) is that you have take shit sometimes. It's not like a douchey roommate overstepping a boundary. They are you parents, and they will always know better than you, no matter how old you get. Trust me on this.

[fiddelerselbow]

I'd imagine it is possible to do but hardly worthwhile.

[Jero]

So it seems they don't have ill intent so much as they just can't be bothered to sift through the mail. That's annoying! They are your parents though, and you do live under their roof. Best bet is to talk to them about it, and/or start getting the mail first.

[culturejam]

and/or start getting the mail first.

Or start shitting in the mailbox.

[veteransdaypoppy]

suing your parents is fucking silly. don't be a baby just be like "yo quit opening my mail smalls."

[theavondon]

Send a letter to yourself from a made up address and just put inside a note that says "DON'T OPEN OTHER PEOPLE'S FUCKING MAIL."

The "fucking" part is crucial. It has to be the written equivalent of blunt force trauma to be effective.

I really like this idea.