FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Our stories

I don't know what to do...

I don't know what to do...

There's someone in my life, that's family which has hurt me for too long. She's my older sister. This is going to be a bit long, but I guess I'm just really upset now and I need some input on the whole thing. It's as if I've taken a step back from this situation, and attempting to evaluate it for what it is at the moment. I'm trying to find meaning, and learn from it. At this point in time, ultimately I want to come to the decision. Should I keep this person in my life? Or cut them out completely... for they may be detrimental to my own growth as a person.

She's just a nasty person. She treats me badly. Calls me many things, has petty jabs at me whenever she can. Whether it has to do with my appearance, my intelligence, my lack of friends, my never having a relationship. The situation is that I live with her, and her daughter with my parents and uncle. I'm a University student, at that age of fragility I suppose where you're attempting to find your identity. She, is about a decade or so older than me. She had a break-down earlier this year after splitting from a ten year relationship, and went on a spree of having intercourse with random guys she'd meet on the internet. She fell hard for one of them, and was on the verge of suicide. I had to act as her confidante for an entire year, attempting to coax her out of doing so. She was on the floor, a writhing mess. She wanted to end herself, but I comforted her out of it. From then on, I continued listening to her complaining about life. How she hated people out of just the way they looked, as if they were lesser beings due to being 'ugly'. How her friends were all 'fake and stupid bitches'. I just had to sit there and nod my head. When it came to conversation with her it was always one-sided. Whenever I seeked comfort or someone to confide in when things got tough, she'd ignore me completely. Not on purpose- no. It was if she lacked the very facility to comfort anyone sincerely. She wouldn't say anything, she'd just look away as if I didn't say a word. The lights were on her, always. She'd immidately turn the conversation back onto herself, and I'd have to forget about my pains and struggles. She was more important. She'd do me favors, I'd appreciate it. Such as spotting me lunch and such. Looking back however, I felt as if I was her pet. If I didn't obey any of her rules, she'd be quick to shout 'After all I've done for you'. Every move I made was used against me.

Out of being her confidante for an entire year, I saw her from a different perspective. Who she truly was. I went from admiring her, to loathing her. It dawned on me, after her brief explosion towards me, some nights ago that: "This woman hates me, and she will never see me differently."

I don't know why though. I never did anything... she just hates me. She just hates me.

She called me a number of things, which perplexed me. Saying I was immature, spoilt, ingrateful, and that I thought I ran the household. I don't, not one bit. It just confuses me. Where an earth would something like this come from? I like to pretend it doesn't hurt me, like it doesn't effect me. Like I have strength in me. But that's not true. It does hurt me. It does. I cry in the bathroom because I can't let her see this, because if she sees this... she feels empowered. She'll prance around the house, her croaky voice booming all through-out... happy with much gaiety and lightness in her voice. It's a victory in her eyes. Me, I've always been seen as a useless idiot. She always calls me: weak, gutless, useless, stupid regardless of my achievements. I observed in public she became someone else entirely different. She'd wear these 'masks' out in public, becoming the sweetest and most saccharine person you'd ever meet. On the phone, she was someone else. Then when she'd come back to the household, she'd turn into a venemous viper. Spitting venom about everyone and anyone she'd observe on social media or the T.V. Rarely she'd talk about their abilities, always she'd nit pick their looks. She always had this complex in her, whenever someone went wrong, it was everyone elses' fault. She was the victim. Never can she take responsibility. Her daughter, for one. She never raised, and still doesn't pay her so much attention. It makes me sad. Even when she does pay her attention, it feels unatural and mechanical the way she does it. As if it's rehearsed from what the 'ideal mother is'. It's brief too. When she's done doing those fake queues to quash her guilt, she goes back to herself.

She was insecure about her looks, how she's 'old', how she can't have anymore kids, how she's not in a relationship. Yet, it's funny. She projects all of the very same bullshit onto me. She says I'm a spinster, I'm ugly, I'm fat, I'm probably a lesbian, and that I'll never find anyone. I've noticed also, she has this need to prove me wrong on everything and anything. It doesn't matter what it is.

Her last explosion, I suppose came from jealousy. The middle sister. Her and I have been hanging out with one another frequently. I never pushed her to invite me anywhere, but she did so willingly whilst the older sister wasn't. I was told I was more mellow company in comparison. This made her distant towards me, the older sister, and she began treating me differently. She started doing odd things, like smothering the middle sister and raising her voice loudly in the room so that all attention was on her, it as if she was saying 'Oh my god, look at me, I'm so interesting!' After that explosion, on her part, she knew she did wrong in the eyes of everyone of the household. She is now currently trying to act overtly kinder than usual to everyone. I accepted her apology, but whilst doing so I whinced at her. She noticed. For I suppose, for once I saw through her. I spent a whole year, listening to her prattle on about her issues. She was vulnerable towards me. I know her secrets, yet I don't exploit them as she does with mine. Genuinely, I wanted her to be okay. I wanted to help her. But I can't anymore. I just can't.

It's not really the words that hurt me. It's how she says them. She insults with such fire, such hate, and such venom in her voice. As if she contempts your very existence. As if she is disgusted of you. I don't wish to destroy her, or 'cause her any harm. I know she will do that herself. She will destroy herself. I know she will. Her life seems to have this vicious cycle. When that happens though, I don't want to be there. For she is attempting to destroy me.

I just, I don't know. What can I make of this situation. Why does she hate me so much? This isn't a new thing. She's hated me ever since I was six years old. I have a terrible memory of her then I don't want to bring up- I just want to know. What would you do if you were in this situation? I am at a turning point in my life where I've said I won't be like everyone else, shrugging off her behavior. I want to grow as a person. I want to be the best version of myself possible. I just don't think I can be, if I keep forgiving her.

I don't know...

37 replies

11 - 20 of 37

In response to: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

Great to hear that you find headspace helpful @Wolfies. Good on you for reaching out to others on the Forums to explore different coping strategies here too

You seem to have a lot of insight into yourself, and to have made a decision to change some patterns that you don't find helpful. Making a conscious choice to continue developing your identity is a courageous step in growing up, I really admire your approach.

In response to: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

@utopia.

I will try that, thank-you. Right now, I am ignoring her and not acknowledging her presence. I try to keep a cheery disposition as much as I can to show I'm now bothered. Her voice seems to be louder and louder after her explosion. I'm lucky I have a place I can go and be alone, the spare room. She comes in there sometimes to exercise though, and it's a bit awkward when we're both there in silence not acknowledging one another.

I think with her, it is a struggle with power. She always spoke about mentally strong people, and how she thought she was one.

In response to: Re: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

@Shimmer

Thank-you so much for the support. I guess so, haha. I look at her and I see her as person I don't want to be. Being around her all the time, as she injects her poison into you... it feels as if I am turning into her and I don't want that to happen. I've been so negative lately, and hateful towards people. It's completely out of character for me... I figure it's osmosis from interacting with her/ being around her.

A lot of insight in myself? Thank-you. I hope I do, really... I do want to develop my identity. It's perhaps something for me, that is top priority. Life is short, I figure... in this time I want to spend my time well. I don't want to be like her where I look back on my life so far and regret it. Trying to hang onto the reigns of youth. The way she acts is typical of a teenage girl. Sometimes, you do forget you are talking to someone in their late 20s. She can have an ill regard for responsibility.

I am not afraid of her so much... more so, I'm afraid of how unstable she is.

In response to: Re: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

Your thoughts/actions feeling out of character indicates that that is not who you are @Wolfies. Having the insight to recognise this means you can move in a direction more in line with your values. I'd love to hear more about you and what's important to you in life if you would like to share?

In response to: Re: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

Hi @Wolfies Nice to meet you. I've been on the forums since approx July this year.

I am so sorry to hear that you are having to live with your sister who is treating you so badly. That must be so difficult for you, especially when you are studying at university.

Do you feel confident enough to say firmly to her, please don't talk to me like that? And then walk out of the room. I don't want to make things worse for you. It really isn't fair that she speaks so horribly to you.

I am probably alot older than you and I am now at a stage in my life where I won't tolerate people talking horribly to me anymore. I used to be alot different, but discovered that I don't need people in my life that are going to try and bring me down.

Because I struggle with PTSD, anxiety, depression etc., I have had to isolate myself from my family, especially my brother and sister. It was causing too much stress in my life and I want to get well and enjoy life, not just endure it.

I am not sure of your age, but are you old enough to live somewhere else. And can you afford to live anywhere else. Maybe university accommodation or board with someone else, or share a unit with a friend perhaps?

These are just suggestions, please don't feel you have to do any of my suggestions.

Maybe you might feel strong enough to stand up to your sister some time soon.

I hope that I haven't said too much, I just really feel for you, having to live under such stressful circumstances.

Look forward to hearing how you are going.

Take care.

Hi @Shimmer

In response to: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

Hi @Wolfies

That sounds incredibly exhausting to continually have someone you live with treating you so horribly, no wonder you start to believe her words, she seems to have a lot of the control in your household.

I think if I was in your position, like you said, try to have very little emotion when you reply and say something like this is a firm but in a calm voice and in your own words of course "I really do not like the way you are talking to me so I am going to leave the room right now okay, if you would like to talk to me nicely I'll be in my bedroom when you are ready and we can talk it out." Something that is straight to the point but with no underlying emotive tones. I'm not sure if that is something that you actually can try out as it can be hard to keep calm when someone is making you feel the way she does.

It does sound like she needs to be made aware of boundaries and that you can defend yourself which you can work on with your counsellor, maybe that can be the focus of your next session? Little by little things will change but if you feel like cutting her out to begin with is what needs to be done for now, do what is right for you. Looking after yourself should be your no.1 priority 🙂

Keep us updated

Lunar

In response to: Re: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

@Wolfies I feel your sister thrives on drama, hope I'm wrong. She sounds a lot like my middle sister. I do no contact now and it's been about 7 years, I weighed in and it was tough to do, but the best thing for my self esteem and mental health at the time. I feel they make us responsible for their anguish and self hate, it was my job to make them feel better at all costs. Yes, my sister would glaze over her eyes when I talked about myself, how dare I? If I See my mum and her by sheer accident, my legs turn to jelly and I have a panic attack, good indicator of toxic dynamic, shows me no contact is good for me. Walking out of the room is the best suggestion made here by others. You have a right to be treated with respect. If sister pulls you up, very briefly with limited expression say ' I will talk to you when you stop being so mean'.

You probably need to talk with experienced therapists and the like. I have done what is right for me, you need most likely to do a lot of talking, research and insightful thinking before making life changing decisions, but asking your sister to engage you respectfully and if she cannot, continue to walk away from her, could start today. You are not being mean, you are asking for respect and peace. Hugs and good positive vibes for you.

In response to: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

Oh wow you are doing so well to put up with that. I left home at 17 and never went back. Is there any way you could move out into a share house? You would be worse off financislly but away from her. I woukd just avoid her as much as possible. Study at the library, go to the gym, go for long walks, put headphobes in and listen to podcasts rather thsn listen to her drone on.
I cant beleive the family is even allowing this to go on. There needs to be a family discussion/intervention. Either she shuts her mouth and behaves or gets out.
To be honest she is just jelouse of you. There is no other reason for her to act that hateful towards you. You are younger with more prospects and you are not a single mother post a failed relationship (nothing wrong with single mums). Look up narcissists she will never change. She can't control you so she trys to control how you see yourself and others see you

In response to: Re: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

@Shimmer

Sure, I don't mind. Sorry for the lax in reply, I'm often like this, so please don't take it personally.

I'm not really sure to be honest. That is to say, what is of importance to me in values. I go through periods where I think "Eureka! I know who I am." Only to then fall off the band wagon, and find myself completely lost again. I suppose for me, what's important isn't something that is set in stone. It changes with the time and how I feel at the moment.

What's important to me right now, I suppose is that I find confidence and the need to feel comfortable with myself in all my entirity. That's sort of the pinnacle of what I desire to achieve before leaving this world. To at least stop hating myself, and to be comfortable with myself. To not have others define me, and to quit being scared of what others think of me, and having this desire to please everyone.

I look to those I admire, and I notice they ALL have one thing in common. They don't take every stupid little thing seriously. They're all ridiculously comfortable with themselves, where they don't take themselves seriously. It's beautiful to me. Absolute poetry. It's as if, they've stopped giving a shit about the petty things... channeling their energy into the more important things in life. I desire to be just like that.

For me, that's what is important to me right now. Finding out who I truly am, and being comfortable with myself. To let go of the things that cause me so much worry. To just let it roll off of me.

In response to: Re: I don't know what to do...

Re: I don't know what to do...

@Princessmolly

Thank-you kindly for posting on my topic.

Unfortunantly, moving out is out of the question. The reason why we're all living together is to help my Parents pay rent on the house they're living in. I don't want to sever the relationship with both my parents just because of her- doing so would lead her to poison my parents against me, and would give her more ammunition, such as her immature "told you so". I love my parents, despire their ignorance towards her shitty behavior. I can't leave for that reason, which is why I figure the best way to deal with her nonsense is build strength within.

Avoiding her is the best option, and I've been doing that the past week and a half and admittedly. It's hard... Seeing as her voice is loud enough to penetrate our walls, and I can still hear her. I employ the use of headphones as you suggested, and those work a charm. I suppose this method of coping with her 'shit' is something I need to get used to more or less. It'll get easier the more I do it. Right now, we're on amicable terms. I don't let her confide in me anymore, anytime she attempts to I tune out and she gets the message. She is wearing a mask these days of sweetness, but it seems as if her true self is crying out to expose itself.

Hmmm... You really think she's jealous of me? I agree with you. My psychologist said that often, when people are angry and they can't find any dirt to dig up on you, you project their insecurities on you instead.

Such as her saying I'm a Spinster, I'll never have children, get married... the list goes on and on. She has controlled the way I've seen myself for years, and it has nearly destroyed me to the point of suicide. She has attempted to turn much of the family against me also. Thanks, Molly... I'm glad you can see into my situation. You've given me a bit to think about.

11 - 20 of 37