Anita,

Since you can relate to my story, what did you do about your relationship with your mother? Do you still feel weighed down and tired?

My litter sister’s ex does not live in Florida. He lives in a bad part of a city from the same state as us. My sister confessed to me that she thought that if her abusive ex was in a different environment, such as Florida, they would have a better relationship.

I personally feel as though my mom somewhat expects me and my siblings to take care of her problems. When me and my younger sisters were children, we used to give her whatever money we had, because we thought she needed it more. My brother brought the last car that my mother drove. At the time, I told him not to do it, because she had the money to buy herself one at the time and I was worried that if he helped her this time, that she would continue to expect others to solve her problems for her. Recently she was going to get her wages garnished from not paying taxes. I helped her make an appeal. In her apartment there was mold growing in the bathroom and spreading onto the walls and ceiling. She complained about it and was embarrassed of it. I randomly decided to paint the bathroom for her one day. A few days later I started to ponder, if it bothered her so much, why didn’t she ever try to paint it herself? The bathroom has looked like that for years.

While I struggle with my family issues, I also struggle in my personal relationships. I feel like my peers have it easier than me, because they don’t have to deal with these types of issues. My boyfriend’s best friend works for his family’s business and has traveled many places. I haven’t been anywhere. I do not feel like I can relate to my boyfriend’s family or friends because I don’t have anything to add to their conversations. I also do not feel truly accepted by them. Sometimes they make sly comments to me.

I don’t really feel good in any specific area of my life right now. Usually when I feel down, I try to focus my energy in the area of my life that is going the best, but right now I don’t know what area that would be.