SharonB wrote:
KitLily wrote:
I wonder if it's because I always knew my mother didn't particularly like me. I have never been good enough for her, I'm too sensitive, too annoying, too embarrassing, too whatever. I learned from a young age not to love her because all she does is manipulate me and my feelings. She's been like my jealous older sister for decades now.
Interesting. We have a similar style and my mom was emotionally abusive - in my case I now know that my mom loves me, but she was narcissistic in her dysfunction. She still tends that way, but less so. ---When I "bite", all is forgiven if the treatment stops and better if repairs are made, if not... I have a memory like an elephant.
I think my mum loves me but it's hard to tell. She only loves me as long as I:
Don't show any 'negative' emotions
Don't embarrass her
Don't annoy her
Don't be oversensitive
Don't outshine her or be successful
Don't underachieve
Don't spend too much time with her
Don't leave it too long between visits
Don't take her side against other people
Don't take other people's side against her
Don't contradict her
Don't suggest better ways to do something
Don't give sensible advice on how to do something
Those are some of the 'rules' I've worked out, anyway
I'm not sure how to obey all those rules simutaneously.
_________________
That alien woman. On Earth to observe and wonder about homo sapiens.