I don't live with my parents and I visit regularly. I feel like I offer them a lot of reassurance, I call them regularly and text them every morning and night. The other day I didn't answer their phone call and text for a few hours and somehow it sent my parents into a spiral that something bad happened to me. They spammed me with calls and almost drove out to the city I live in an hour away from them. I felt that it was over the top. I had talked to them that morning. It was probably only three hours I didn't answer them for.

Today I was visiting and my dad was asking me if I heard from my brother. I said no. My dad said my brother never texted him back or called him. I kinda took the opportunity and said "how come you aren't spam calling him and wanting to go see where he's at?"

He told me it's because he's a guy. He then also said "aren't you happy you have parents who care for you?" I kind of felt gas lit because never did I say I was ungrateful I had caring parents. I just don't think they understand their behavior was over the top. Just because you don't hear from me for THREE hours there's an issue? But if my brother leaves them in the dark for days at a time it's acceptable.

I don't feel like this should be normal behavior. I understand as parents they'll always worry but overreacting by me not answering at that time and holding this double standard on me is pretty ridiculous.