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Managing relationships

Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

Hi everyone. New here. Not real sure how it works but I'd really appreciate outside opinions on this txt convo with a parent today

Background info: childhood neglect/trauma. Late adult diagnosis adhd.

Trying to foster healthier relationships, setting boundaries with mother and step dad.

Fought with step dad a few months ago. He berated me with "your not normal. Things you think are normal are not normal" in regards to poor choices, drug use and behaviour I'm ashamed of.

He and my mum's relationship breaking down.

Copy and paste txt convo.

Honest feedback most appreciated

Sent from mum a few weeks ago

Hi

[step dad] is still really upset with you [brother] and [sister] so please get smoko from elsewhere. You may even be able to get medicinal easy enough.

Ok fair enough. It's better for me not to have a constant supply anyway. Kind of goes on the not normal list, coz it's not normal for a step dad to insist I stay stoned all the time. Actually very helpful not to have it. I haven't touched it yet either 🤣🤣🤣 I'm still upset with him too but still send my love. Sorry if me asking caused you problems. Love you mum x

So that's that. Minimal contact in between, mostly only discussing my kids car problems

Today:Hey

Just need to ask you why did you have to say that comment about step dad and pot when all [his name] have ever tried to do is share himself and his love for me with you

Why do you ask?

I mean do you actually care where I'm coming from, what my feelings are? Or are you just telling me off? Why has it taken so long to bring it up?

Why did you have to give me my first cone when I was in primary school?

Your father did that

Noooooooooooo

If I could change things aspecially me and my lack of courage I would

Wah wah wah. Me me me is all I'm hearing from you. And gaslighting me... again

I asked YOU about the green stuff and why is [brother] allowed to do it and you said get an icy pole and I'll show you and tell you all about it

But anyway are you going to answer the questions above? Do you still want to know about what you'd initially confronted me about?

My world is falling apart. Me big time and your three kids have broken a good man

I'm only one person, not three

It's not you, nothing to do with you hey? I'm not responsible for how you've let the other two treat him. I'm sorry I couldn't accept his behaviour toward me during December. I simply stood up for myself

What you're doing to me now is just cruel blame shifting

Then an hour or so later a phone call asking if my kid had her car at school coz she needs it back coz she'd been kicked out again. But she's not going to stay and not going to bother me or house guest or kid. Very cold. Selfish. Wanting pity. Said step dad is bringing her to collect car after work.

If you would prefer [kid] or I could come pick you up from work. I should be home about 5ish. Also I have some savings if you need help with accommodation

Hi

I'm not at work. [name] will probably be home around 4ish. So let him drive me. Ta

Thanks for money offer. I still have a bit and pay day next week

Ok.

So now I've broken out of the enmeshment I think I can see a huge cause of my problems... am I right??? This is really unhealthy? All my instincts say get away... asap. But I can't blow up my life (again lol) so I'm just gonna stand my ground. Any advice plse?

4 replies

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In response to: Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

Re: Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

Welcome. Sorry you have had such a hard time from your parents. It is hard when the people who are supposed to support you and love you the most are toxic. I have had a toxic relationship with my mother who is supported by my Father. While weighing up the effect on my mental health and my desire to have a healthy relationship with my parents. I decided that I still wanted to see my parents who are in there eighty’s I decided that I would keep them at arms length and be graded around the information I tell them and subjects I discuss with them, sometimes I think it is best for me to not have contact but, they are my parents and they will not live forever. My father does not have much time left and would regret it if I did not spend time with him. I believe it is a matter of what you can handle and keeping yourself safe and healthy. I have no contact with my sister because she is more toxic than my mother. My sister treats me like a child and she is 7 years younger than me. You know what is best for you. If you feel like you should run, then have a break from them and see how you go. I only see my parents every couple of weeks.

In response to: Re: Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

Re: Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

Thank you @Walkoneggshells . The word toxic really stood out to me. The validation in that is somehow comforting. I've tried to quietly distance myself from them for well over a year now. The result was them pushing harder to force contact. So now I have to get upset and tell her honestly and hurtfully what my feelings are; and I still don't feel heard. I'm starting to realise them pushing drugs at me, despite my attempts and requests to help me quit, was just keeping me sedated for their benefit. It's so hard because I don't want to damage her any further, this all stems from her childhood trauma, I probably inherited the adhd from her also; yet I'm done putting others needs before my own. Maybe because I'm sober, maybe because treatment has my brain functioning better?

I can relate to your sister situation tho it's only 18 months younger for my holier than thou female sibling. Since getting a formal diagnosis I'm treated better now. That's a double edged sword of hypocrisy in itself tho. Thankfully she's on the other side of the world so mother only forces me to be pleasant once in a blue moon now. I admire your strength to stand by your needs and cut contact.

Condolences in regards to your aging parents. Grieving begins long before passing. I hope you have plenty of support surrounding that. Your insight and clear choices seems to be a huge help to you.

Thank you so much for the input, I was feeling so cynical about interacting with the forums but this hasn't been so bad after all

In response to: Re: Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

Re: Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

So today after being kicked out of her home and all that, instead of taking time to be introspective and face what is happening in her life and thinking about what I finally pointed out the other day about how it was actually her who first gave me drugs she's gone into denial and dissociation mode. She's decided yesterday to offer to spend time with my kid. Going out to lunch. Coming to my home briefly to pick her up!!!! My girl asked if that was OK or should I get g-ma to pick me up somewhere else. Of course I'm like "oh no I'm not going to be an a-hole about it, I don't want to punish her, or make things worse for her" and now arrival is imminent. I overheard them on the phone making plans and since then my mood has gone from happy and optimistic to sad, I can physically feel the frown on my face. My Mind is ruminating between memories of the distant past, recent events, and resentment over the fact I'm going to allow her in my home. I've let myself down, yet again. How dare she do this? I'm so effing angry!!!!!!

WHY? WHY can't she just stay away?

Secretly hoping she chokes on her damn lunch or gets food poisoning!!!

In response to: Re: Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

Re: Abusive parents/gaslighting/is it as bad as I feel it to be?

She pulled up I the driveway and didn't get out of the car. I'm still pissed. These tactics of hers so obvious now
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