Dear Therapist: My Relatives Don’t Believe My Parents Were Abusive
How do I maintain a relationship with my extended family without feeling so unheard?
How do I maintain a relationship with my extended family without feeling so unheard?
I didn’t ask to be the custodian of their guilt and shame.
I never asked for this role.
And my wife is very upset about me reconnecting with his mother.
How can I apologize to him, but also explain that he makes me feel small?
What do I owe them if they caused me pain growing up?
I’m a 70-year-old widow, and I don’t know how to get my needs met.
Now he has cut her off and expects an apology.
I think he may still have feelings for her.
She ruins the day, but guilt-trips me when I try to opt out.