He didn't mind living with his mother, but there are [i]degrees[/i] of living with your mother.
-- Narrator (chapter 6)

Importance: Whether or not Lincoln should keep living with his mother is an issue that comes up repeatedly, especially when Lincoln talks with his sister, Eve. Eve is convinced that Lincoln needs to move out in order to start his life. Lincoln is ambivalent. He enjoys living at home, where he has a whole floor to himself and can always get some delicious food from his mom, not to mention live rent free. But there is a part of Lincoln that realizes that it is perhaps time to move on. Although Lincoln never reaches a true breaking point with his mother, quotes like this one early on suggests that moving out is an idea he works toward following his own pace.

Of course I understand you, Lincoln,' she replied. 'I'm your mother...
-- Mrs. O'Neill, Narrator (chapter 8)