I try
Today it feels like I can't do much right. I put the bins out, mum - you were a long time, I express concern for her hearing (the tv gives me a headache the volume it's on) but it's people don't speak clearly, especially me. Breakfast time I made her a coffee, usually she drinks it during her breakfast, today it felt like she purposely left it until the end to complain it was cold and I'd made it too early. I'm trying to apply for work, one job is as a writer, and I tried talking to her about the writing I've done to submit as part of my application, but it was clear that she wasn't interested. How can we be so unlike? I talked to my dad about nature, politics, everything really, but mum has very limited conversation.
Replies
Take a moment. Stop, pause, breathe.
With your mum, keep it simple. She's going to be negative towards any changes. Some older people get like that, it's their way of keeping calm.
Write it out. Instead of trying to engage her - work out your writing.
You did all those things. That's accomplishing quite a few tasks. Give yourself time to praise that you got it done!
Thank you, yes I've been applying for jobs and she said this morning it's a waste of time I hadn't had any job offers, I just felt squashed whereas the probation officer encouraged me to keep applying just minutes before, on the telephone. She is so negative even when she likes something it's described as not bad..... I love her but I find it incredibly difficult to care for her
Keep your focus positive.
You are responsible for you. Your mum is responsible for her.
The gift you give her is in being positive and not letting her words affect you inside.
Keep applying.
Thank you, as if an answer a company has responded and said I will be judged equal to other applicants, despite convictions - you are very kind