Home→Forums→Relationships→Looking for some encouragement
- This topic has 13 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 10 months ago by Mimi.
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December 27, 2018 at 8:24 pm #271193AshParticipant
This year has been full of changes. I got myself out of a relationship with a guy who was clearly not at all what I needed in my life. He used me and was a very nasty person. I purchased my first home. I quit my job and began working for myself which I love and I’m continuing to build my practice. I’m proud of my accomplishments.
I have a friend what I’ve known over two years. I never allowed the friendship to turn into anything more because when I met him he was freshly divorced. Almost two years later I allowed him into my life as more than a friend. In the moment I thought that maybe it was something more. He had so much going on personally that when I approached him about dating he explained that he wasn’t in a position to give me what I deserved as he was still piecing together his life after his divorce. At first it stung but it really forced me to focus on myself and take the time to really heal from my past relationships especially the one I had just removed myself from. I looked at it as more of a blessing because in reality I wasn’t in a place to start dating. I finally found happiness within myself and even started taking chances and going out more, meeting new people and volunteering my time. He and I are still friends and I genuinely love him as a friend. I also know the feelings are still there on both ends and while we continue to hang out and enjoy each other’s company I’m able to do so without allowing it to consume my mind. We’ve really been able to understand each other and we keep it light and fun.
Now, I came home for the holidays and had to deal with my mother (btw I’m 33). She became a grandmother this year thanks to my brother and she’s always on me about marriage and babies. I’ve gotten better at ignoring her but for some reason her comments are bothering me. My best friend is pregnant and she said “you’re getting left further and further behind”. She also told another friend of mine “I’ve been waiting for her to give me a grand baby before I’m too old to play with it”. She also likes to go on Facebook and constantly show me couples that I know and their children. These comments hurt. Of course I want a husband and children of my own. It’s a real desire of mine but I can’t make that happen right now. I’m not in a relationship at this time.
Like I said, I’ve been working on myself and I often pray for my desires but more importantly I pray that I’m given the tools to be the best version of myself so that when I meet “the one” I will know it and will be ready for it. I think I get discouraged when I know I’ve put in the work and have moments where I start to feel like a failure. I know I’m not a failure but I feel like that’s how my mom views me because I’m not married and I don’t have children. I’m not sure I know what I’m looking for in discussing this….I just have a lot on my mind.
I feel like I’m on the right track.
December 28, 2018 at 8:09 am #271263AnonymousGuestDear Ash:
Having read your previous thread, reads to me that you are on the right track! You made good decisions last year.
Notice what you mother said: “I’ve been waiting for her to give me a grand baby before I’m too old to play with it“-reads like she wants a toy, a breathing-and-living toy to play with. She then goes to Facebook “and constantly show me couples that I know and their children”- like a child pointing to toys in a store and telling you: give me a toy, like this one… and that one!
As daughters, what our mothers think and want from us, is very important to us, but if we look at our mothers as the people that they are, not the gods they meant to us when we were very young, we can see them for who they are. She wants a toy to play with.
From having read of your sensibility, your logical choices of this year, I bet you think of marriage and children more seriously than a way to give your mother something to play with.
anita
December 28, 2018 at 8:10 am #271265AnonymousGuest* didn’t reflect under Topics
December 28, 2018 at 8:49 am #271275AshParticipantYou are absolutely right. I take the idea of marriage and children very seriously. I never want to go into anything that doesn’t align with my spirit (been there done that). I’ve learned a lot about myself this year and my mindset has changed a lot. What my mother thinks does weigh on me because she’s my mother. We’re not as connected as we could be because I don’t believe she understands me. I’ve educated myself (Masters Degree), have my own company, homeowner, and these are things I’ve done independently. My mother did not accomplish these things but she’s been married for 35 years. So it’s hard for us to relate. Instead of asking me “how’s the business going?” Or “how’s the new home?” It’s always questions and comments related to relationships.
Thanks for listening!
December 28, 2018 at 9:06 am #271281AnonymousGuestDear Ash:
You are welcome.
No matter how more intelligent and educated a daughter is, and how unwise a mother may be, it is the daughter who seeks the mother’s approval, who wants to please the mother, not the other way around.
I hope you resist this natural inclination and continue to make the wise choices you have made this year.
anita
December 28, 2018 at 9:34 am #271287AshParticipantI sure will!!!!
Thanks again 🙂
December 28, 2018 at 10:00 am #271293AnonymousGuestYou are welcome, Ash. Post anytime and have a Happy New Year!
anita
December 28, 2018 at 5:59 pm #271331MimiParticipantAsh,
Just because you love your mother it doesn’t mean you have to keep taking that crap from her.
Of course she has selfish reasons for wanting you to have children, but she also maybe wants to worry less about you – to feel like you are “settled.” Still, that’s no reason to keep nagging at you about getting married and having kids.
You have a right to tell her to stop it. Make consequences, like blocking her, hanging up on her, if you want to do that. It’s the kind of thing I did with my mom years ago to stop her criticizing and nagging, and it worked and now we have a good relationship. But I do realize that it won’t work for everyone. It took several tries with me (complete breaks from my mom for a while), and eventually she wanted to change. Now our relationship has been really, really good – for many years. I know it doesn’t always go that way, though.
I just think you have the right to be treated better, so if you can find any way to achieve that, it would really be best for your mental health.
Mimi
December 28, 2018 at 6:01 pm #271333MimiParticipantp.s.
Also, it’s really good that you are being sensible, and not jumping into a marriage just for the sake of being married. Many people do that, and regret it later. You are wanting to be your best self, and find the best person for you, and that is REALLY, REALLY the most important thing, if you want to have a happy life. You are completely right about that.
December 29, 2018 at 5:12 am #271351AshParticipantThank you! I really appreciate it.
December 29, 2018 at 8:54 am #271371MarkParticipantAsh,
There is a concept called “boundaries” This is where you are clear on what is acceptable and not acceptable behavior with others. Once you know that for yourself, clearly communicate that. You also need to be willing to take action if someone crosses those boundaries; whether it is walking away, cutting off contact, being strong and direct in calling out the unacceptable behavior, etc.
You may want to have a “plan of action” whenever you deal with your mother on such topics of marriage and children.
Mark
December 30, 2018 at 6:24 am #271489InkyParticipantHi Ash,
Might I suggest the “NO” button. It is found in Staples. I’m sure you can get it online.
Whenever your mother mentions “marriage”, “grandbabies”, etc. in reference to you, press “NO!”
I did this with my mother whenever she said “diet”, “weight”, etc. It was highly effective!!
Also, tell her you will UnFriend her the next time she posts “hints” on your Wall. Also Hide her.
Good Luck!
Inky
P.S. Happy New Year, Anita!
December 30, 2018 at 7:04 am #271495AnonymousGuest* Thank you Inky, glad to receive your message!
anita
December 31, 2018 at 4:19 pm #271701MimiParticipantMark and Inky,
You made very good points on how to execute the push-back. Excellent!
Mimi
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