Depression Supporters Support Group
This community is dedicated to spouses, children, relatives, co-workers and others who are actively supporting someone suffering from depression or other serious mental illness. Depression can bring about intense sadness, melancholia or despair that has advanced to the point of being disruptive, which can have a grave impact on the ability of others trying to help.
Ok, my mom lives two houses down. For some reason anytime she comes to my house, she remains standing, she won't make eye contact, I don't know what's wrong, she always has an uncomfortable or hurt look on her face and acts like she can't wait to get out the door and out of my house. I have no idea why she acts like this. If it's because I have no interest in going to or being part of their church, well she'll just have to continue acting that way because I'm not at all interested in that bullshit. I mean I went to her house yesterday morning and had coffee with her and sat and talked or what not, and she was fine, but it's like knowing that I'm not interested in their church is a personal insult to her and to my father. WEll sorry I 'm not selling my soul to you just to make you feel better.
Have you tried to ask your mom why she is behaving oddly at your house? I would talk to her about it at her house, as that is obviously where she is more comfortable. You may find out that religion is not even the issue.
If religion is the issue, remember to be respectful of their beliefs. People choose to believe different things for all kinds of reasons, and being that it's your mom, you may never know what has led to her strong belief in this particular church/religion. Once you have shown respect for them having their beliefs, simply ask that they do the same for you. They need to respect your decision to not be part of their church. This won't happen overnight, but eventually, things will get better around this (always show respect, though - don't slam their beliefs or their church, or you will be right back where you started).
My parents and I came to an understanding that I would not be going back to church and they had to respect that, not ever push that, or our relationship was going to suffer substantially. Now, they can talk about their activities and relationships within their church without trying to pull the conversation around to how much they wish I would go. I can talk about my meditation group or spiritual book club without them being upset and without me trying to push "new" or "better" ideas of spirituality onto them.
Good luck with your mom. I hope the situation improves.
There is a lot of religious tension in my family. A lot! So I get that. Do you think your mom would act this way because you're not going to her church?
My mom and I have a lot of different views. For one: my mom believes she can do no wrong- truly.
If I ever talk to her- which I do all the time about this stuff- its very offensive to her. She is extremely upset I I do not agree or follow along with her. But I don't let that stop me ;). It's easer now and I believe she understands me better than ever. It still brings up at least a once a month tear filled conversation- but hey.. I guess that might be the mother daughter relationship. Can't hurt to try. Talk to her see if she opens up.