Codependency Support Group
Codependency is defined as someone who exhibits too much, and often inappropriate, caring for another person's struggles. A codependent person may try to change, or feel shame about their most private thoughts and feelings if they conflict with the other person's struggles. If you are on a journey towards self-love, this support group is for you. Join us and find others...
Its hard because it seems you need your mom for support and she just isn't there for you. This can be really hard for as her daughter. It also stinks when you have to spend your time around people that don't make you feel good or seem to take interest and care, when you make an effort to be so caring. I think thatI'm pretty sure that our parents don't do things to intentionally hurt us but they do. I know that first hand.
I think the only truth we can cling to in these circumstances is to build up our defenses in allowing other people to dictate how we feel in any situation. I wish there was an easier answer, but if you are putting energy into nurturing others, you need to put equal energy into nurturing yourself. Going to the same people in your life and expecting different outcomes is something I'm a pro at! Your post makes me think that maybe I too need to be more proactive in caring of for me and not expecting things from people who can't give it, The solution isn't easy other than to find things that uplift us and make us feel loved, strong and cared for outside of our relationships with people. I think when we do this, it really strengthens us for those times when we are around the most selfish frustrating people or people that don't seem to get us because we are confident in our own right, Its a lot easier to accept people when you don't need anything from them. I think you have to separate yourself from those expectations and you can find a lot more joy, Many people cannot be anything other than what they are..they are not yet in the place we are of trying to change and grow and we really don't know their inner struggles.
I am really talking to myself as I write this and thank you for sharing. I am getting ready to visit my family after 4 years. we talk often but they drive me completely insane because they are not accepting, or caring in the ways I need, So i am preparing myself to have a joyful visit with them because I do love them and care for them. I just don't want to feel the rejection and have it bring me down. I know I really need to strengthen my belief in myself , to be my own best friend..so when i see them I don't let their actions effect me so strongly. I also have to remember that they are not who I want them to be and try to accept that. Its a tall order and i am getting really anxious hoping I can be centered and focused enough to have the best outcomes.
Blessings to you and I hope you find some peace with this issue
1. If she's getting fuzzy, that's not normal at 72. Take her to the doctors. We should live into our 100s...
2. When she interrupts, just kindly say, "Wait, Mom, I'm not finished telling MY story yet. I promise, I'll come back to your issue, but I need to get this all out..." If she balks, tell her that you'll have to find another sounding board.
3. Do you have siblings? Have they noticed this, too? Has it gotten worse? Has she always been like this?
Again, talk to her and take her to the doctor.
And keep venting away here, since we can't interrupt you! : D
Great words :)
DeliAnnem ya I have two sisters from her (more siblings from my dad) and I think they are starting to see it, they don't live close but it is becoming distinct for sure. I don't know that we are at the doctor level yet, plus our family is funny about doctors period...so taking her to a doctor will be like pulling teeth...so I will wait until it seems dire...uggh.
Anyway......I think it was a moment of frustration and I just need to in the future lower my expectation that she can actually listen to me and maybe save the sharing for after I have already with my other friends who are way more supportive in this arena. This way she will hear the stories, feel involved and by that point I wouldn't need anything from her as I have been validated by someone else so her input, if it were only cursory, would then feel like a bonus :)
Anyway......feeling better about it.....that is the good news!