Thanks for the hello's!
"Is it possible to brainstorm other ideas for her? Like solutions besides living with you?"
Eh, she has a backup plan--her dad living with her, which she is uncomfortable with because she thinks it's unfair to her mom. As for other possible roommates, she doesn't want to live with someone she doesn't know, which means (I think) that she won't find anyone. All of her close friends from our college already have places to live. I suppose I should've interfered more strongly earlier in the game, when there were other possible roommates she could've taken, but I thought she would've handled it on her own and that possible roommate ended up finding somewhere else to live.
Yes, when I do argue with my mom (over time I've realized it's best to just listen to her, makes both our lives easier and is really just the best thing to do lol), she usually does end with-- I'm your mom, don't argue with me.
Yeah, I guess she does usually try to control what I do, to some degree. She's very protective and I certainly wouldn't be in such a (relatively) advantageous position if it weren't for her. I'm very grateful, but when she has made a decision it's difficult to change it unless I whine a lot. But since this involves another person I'm afraid to take that route because I don't want my mom to end up angry with my friend.
I DON'T pay my own rent-- sadly I have no job (and can't really take one up at this time). In any case, telling my mom this is my decision and asserting my independence is also probably not a good idea since that would basically make it seem like I was trying to cut ties with her. I suppose cultural background plays a role in this.
I guess I really just want to see if I can broach the topic again without my mom cutting me off angrily before I can make my point. Also, what substance can I add to my point that will make her more willing to listen? Do you think it's better that I wait until my friend moves in (I haven't told her yet that my place is up for grabs, but I'm 99% sure she won't find another roommate before school starts), and then bring up the topic with my mom?