When do you say, 'I don't care'

A friend has been struggling lately with disapproval from her family because of her romance books. Said friend is in her 30s and is having heartache because her parents (strict Christians) are upset about her Regency romances.

At what point in your life did you decide to live your own life? I think we all go through this learning curve. We try to please our parents, spouses, etc., but at some point, some event or crisis or some thing makes us realize that we really do need to live our own lives.

Did you have such a turning point? Anything you'd care to share with us?