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Selfish parent.

90 replies

twennysum · 30/04/2025 21:52

Hey guys. This is a long one but honestly I just need to get everything out and I don’t want to be judged by my friends for feeling this way.

My mum is currently going through divorce for almost 3 years now because her and my dad are disagreeing heavily during the financial dispute. I won’t go into too much details about the divorce but I feel like since the divorce started there’s been an unhealthy reliance on me as her daughter. I’m in my early twenties (not older than 24), I graduated in 2023 and luckily I’ve been working a full time job for just over a year now. However during this time she has asked me to take out two loans amounting to almost £20,000 so she can pay for her divorce, lawyers and investigators. I have to pay £420 a month back and Because I’m still living at home things are “okay” but I’m only on NHS Band 3!! And I really want to move out soon And save but with the cost of living and salaries not being the best I don’t even know how I’d survive. £420 is essentially bills and grocery money for the month but now that £420 I would have used for bills is going towards a loan that I am not benefiting from whatsoever. Let’s also add the fact that she doesn’t work and refused to get a job all this time because she wants to get as much money from my dad as she can and if she works it will ruin it for her (her words not mine). So as-well as having this loan she will also ask me for money as-well occasionally for groceries etc. I don’t mind giving her money but honestly I work HARD for my money. And she refuses to get a job for selfish reasons. I hate my current job but feel so stuck due to my financial situation. I feel pressured to do overtime to see if I can make up that money but I’m so tired. We also share a car which is super inconvenient sometimes - bear in mind this is MY car aswell and she uses it. Again I don’t mind her using my car but also it would be better if she actually worked and saved up her own money so she could get her own car. Over the years I have felt myself becoming so numb and resentful of the situations she’s put me in. It feels like the parent child dynamic has switched - I’m the parent and she’s the child. It’s really bad and it’s affecting me mentally and emotionally. I can barely look at her anymore. Her presence irritates me. I lock myself in my room. When I hear her room door open and I know she’s coming upstairs sometimes il just pretend to be asleep so she won’t disturb me. I’m embarrassed having to do that at my age. She’ll come into my room every morning. Sometimes wake me up from sleep and ask me to help her sort and print her divorce documents. Just overall idk I feel just SO numb and pissed off. Like I’m supposed to be focused on building my own future and career and establishing myself to be a fully independent adult but it seems like all she wants me to do is be nose deep in her divorce matter. Not to mention she can be really rude, entitled and demanding sometimes aswell which makes the whole thing worse. I reckon if she wasn’t taking her anger out on me I might not feel as pissed off. And she wonders why I don’t tell her anything nowadays or why I don’t speak to her much. I have nothing to say anymore. She needs to get her own life.

Anyways I suppose there’s nothing I can do I just really needed to get this out of my system. Like surely this isn’t normal. Sometimes I feel bad for feeling this way but honestly this has been happening for a long time. Maybe someone out there can relate to my situation in a way. Idk. But thank you.

OP posts:
twennysum · 07/05/2025 22:26

socks1107 · 01/05/2025 17:10

I think you need some professional advice. Your mum has abused you financially and this could be classed as coercive control.
if you can face telling your dad I would, he can then make sure what is owed to you is repaid as part of the divorce settlement before she gets her money.
Your mum should be working not living a free life off her adult daughter. You’ve been treated really badly by the person that you should have total trust in

I absolutely agree with you! I can’t imagine doing this to my child ever (if I had one). It is pretty depressing but I am hoping to get some advice soon, loads of people have given me good suggestions here. Thank you for your support!x

OP posts:
twennysum · 07/05/2025 22:25

Malagase · 01/05/2025 16:45

I actually think what your mother has done could come under financial abuse and coercive control.

She forced you to take a loan out in your name.
I think you should call Womens aid for advice and support.
I think your relationship with your mother is absolutely abusive.

I bet if you walked into any police station and asked for advice I bet you would be surprised at their response.

She has 100% taken advantage of you.
I think at the very least you need to start texting her that you are struggling to pay the loan she asked you to take out and that you are very stressed.
Ask her in the text when will she be repaying it.

I think you may need to ask Women's aid for advice on this.

What an utterly toxic woman.
Get your keys back from her.
Pretend you have lost yours and get them back.

This is not a relationship to maintain.
You need to take some serious space.

You do not owe her elder care.
Get that firmly out of your head.

I hear everything you’re saying and actually agree it feels like it’s getting a step too far now and becoming toxic. Today she’s even asking me about my savings which I just think is a massive piss take. Il definitely look into your suggestions about getting advice because it is genuinely so stressful and heavy to be carrying this at my age. Thank you x

OP posts:
twennysum · 07/05/2025 22:23

rainbowstardrops · 01/05/2025 16:44

Then you need to speak to your dad.
This can’t continue.

I agree with you! I’ve just come back from
holiday so when my head is clear il definitely tell him coz now she’s even asking about my savings! I’ve worked hard for my money x

OP posts:
twennysum · 07/05/2025 22:22

Shetlands · 01/05/2025 16:39

Before you move out, I would seek some legal advice about how you can ensure that you get your £20k back when the house is sold. You might be in a stronger position if you're actually living there. There's probably some kind of legal document you could have drawn up. Try Citizen's Advice - hopefully some lawyers will chip in to this thread too. Good luck!

Oooh this is actually a good shout thank you il look into this x

OP posts:
socks1107 · 01/05/2025 17:10

I think you need some professional advice. Your mum has abused you financially and this could be classed as coercive control.
if you can face telling your dad I would, he can then make sure what is owed to you is repaid as part of the divorce settlement before she gets her money.
Your mum should be working not living a free life off her adult daughter. You’ve been treated really badly by the person that you should have total trust in

Malagase · 01/05/2025 16:45

I actually think what your mother has done could come under financial abuse and coercive control.

She forced you to take a loan out in your name.
I think you should call Womens aid for advice and support.
I think your relationship with your mother is absolutely abusive.

I bet if you walked into any police station and asked for advice I bet you would be surprised at their response.

She has 100% taken advantage of you.
I think at the very least you need to start texting her that you are struggling to pay the loan she asked you to take out and that you are very stressed.
Ask her in the text when will she be repaying it.

I think you may need to ask Women's aid for advice on this.

What an utterly toxic woman.
Get your keys back from her.
Pretend you have lost yours and get them back.

This is not a relationship to maintain.
You need to take some serious space.

You do not owe her elder care.
Get that firmly out of your head.

rainbowstardrops · 01/05/2025 16:44

twennysum · 01/05/2025 14:00

I agree with you. She’s an adult and she should have her own life sorted tbh. Me my mum and dad still live together as the divorce isn’t finalised yet but I definitely plan on moving out hopefully once i get a new job! That’s my only option for now

Then you need to speak to your dad.
This can’t continue.

Shetlands · 01/05/2025 16:39

Before you move out, I would seek some legal advice about how you can ensure that you get your £20k back when the house is sold. You might be in a stronger position if you're actually living there. There's probably some kind of legal document you could have drawn up. Try Citizen's Advice - hopefully some lawyers will chip in to this thread too. Good luck!

twennysum · 01/05/2025 16:35

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 01/05/2025 14:41

@twennysum I would be getting the car keys off her before she holds it to ransom!!! she does not need a set of your car keys.make sure the docs are in your name. the nhs has accomodation for nurses and other staff. the cost is pretty reasonable and it comes right off your wages.

Edited

Yes all documents and insurance is in my name etc so I’m protected in that way. I know tbh I wish she just had her own vehicle! And I will definitely look into this accomodation thing this seems really good. Thank you so much x

OP posts:
twennysum · 01/05/2025 16:34

thinktwice36 · 01/05/2025 14:37

Have you got an agreement with her in writing re the repayment? I’m guessing not. Could you get one?

I’m so sorry you are in this position - it’s a shitty thing for a parent to do xx

Edited

Nah I definitely don’t have an agreement. I did this in my naivety as someone in their early twenties I just didn’t even think about it. I know I wish I wasn’t going through this tbh it’s quite depressing. Thank you for your response and support tho x

OP posts:
twennysum · 01/05/2025 16:32

KarmenPQZ · 01/05/2025 14:23

What’s your relationship like with your dad? Can you explain to him that living at home all 3 of you is toxic and can he pay off your debt to help enable you to move out?

if your mum is going to pay you back the money will ultimately be coming from that pot anyway so this cuts out the middle man?!?

Tbh I don’t have a bad relationship with him Per se but he’s also toxic in his own ways. Although he is actually the one encouraging me to move out and love my own life so I could use that to my advantage. He has debts of his own which is why I’m even hesistant to ask him but if he could help me with half the payments that could be a good start. Thank you for your response x

OP posts:
twennysum · 01/05/2025 16:30

Mischance · 01/05/2025 14:10

Tell your Dad.

Definitely need to muster up the courage to do that bc he will go into an absolute rage about it!

OP posts:
allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 01/05/2025 14:41

@twennysum I would be getting the car keys off her before she holds it to ransom!!! she does not need a set of your car keys.make sure the docs are in your name. the nhs has accomodation for nurses and other staff. the cost is pretty reasonable and it comes right off your wages.

thinktwice36 · 01/05/2025 14:37

Have you got an agreement with her in writing re the repayment? I’m guessing not. Could you get one?

I’m so sorry you are in this position - it’s a shitty thing for a parent to do xx

KarmenPQZ · 01/05/2025 14:23

What’s your relationship like with your dad? Can you explain to him that living at home all 3 of you is toxic and can he pay off your debt to help enable you to move out?

if your mum is going to pay you back the money will ultimately be coming from that pot anyway so this cuts out the middle man?!?

twennysum · 01/05/2025 14:13

Wellbeing24 · 01/05/2025 09:15

I'm so sorry OP but your mother is using you for her own gain and that is not right.
If you have a decent relationship with your father, can you tell him so that he can include the information in the settlement and this would ensure the money to repay your loan is issued directly to your bank and not to your mother once it's finalised? Also save any texts or emails from your mother relating to the loan, think about writing a letter to confirm it's a loan for her and she is expected to repay it, if you get her to sign it great but if not hand it to her or preferably email it so she cannot deny the financial liability in the future.
Whatever else you do, please do NOT give your mother any more money. If she doesn't have capital over £16k at the moment she can claim Universal Credit. She absolutely does not need your income as well.
As other PP have said, can you look at a house share somewhere? Your HR team may have a list of suitable prospective landlords for NHS staff, it's worth asking them.
Please start looking after yourself first. You must be so disheartened by your mothers behaviour but remember she is an adult, these are HER choices. You are NOT responsible for her.
As for your car, can you keep the keys with you then she can't use it?
Sending hugs 💐

Thank you for your advice I think I might have to take this on board because it’s really depressing for me. I haven’t told my dad yet about the loan but I probably will have to because it’s putting a massive hole in my pockets. She’s even in abit of debt herself so universal credit wasn’t enough for her. If she got a part time job then I reckon she’d b in a better position. Trust me I won’t be taking anymore money out for her. I will definitely ask around regarding the landlords for NHS staff I wasn’t aware of that. Also in terms of the car keys we have two sets so she has one and I have one so she has access tbh. Thank you again I appreciate it x

OP posts:
WWomble · 01/05/2025 14:11

Mischance · 01/05/2025 14:10

Tell your Dad.

I agree. Also tell your a mum it’s time she takes responsibility for her own finances.

Mischance · 01/05/2025 14:10

Tell your Dad.

twennysum · 01/05/2025 14:08

WWomble · 01/05/2025 10:12

How much long do you have repaying the loan? Time to make escape plans, she is not your responsibility.

I think it should be paid off within 3-5 years so hopefully by 2028/2030. 100% I’m looking at flats and jobs everyday, coz I really can’t deal with this anymore. So depressing!

OP posts:
twennysum · 01/05/2025 14:06

crankycurmudgeon · 01/05/2025 09:46

OP does your mum come from a background with an 'honour culture' that places very heavy cultural expectations on grown children to provide for their parents in later life?

Yes and no. She kind of has this entitled mentality that we as her children should look after her when she gets old which I don’t have an issue with but at the same time none or us asked to be born so we shouldn’t feel obliged to, especially when we have our own lives.

OP posts:
twennysum · 01/05/2025 14:05

Exitpursuedbygeese · 01/05/2025 09:26

What is your relationship with your dad like, OP? Could you move in with him?

Where you are located, is it possible to get an affordable roomshare?

In order to start psychologically separating yourself from this complete mess, it would be very useful to get yourself your own space separate from your family so you can start constructing practical barriers and then start unpicking the psychological ones. It’s completely unfair what your mum has done to you.

We all live together actually because the divorce isn’t finalised yet. Ideally I’d like a new job and to move at the same time because I think it would make more sense (like somewhere in london) but honestly it’s getting to a point where I might just have to move out regardless because it’s become insufferable and depressing dealing with this. I definitely plan on speaking to a therapist too!

OP posts:
twennysum · 01/05/2025 14:02

Malagase · 01/05/2025 09:20

Forcing youbto take out loans is absolutely toxic.
You need to tell your father you need the money back now to move out.

I would be moving away snd telling them both you need space.

They are very selfish people and your mother sounds lazy.
She needs to get a job not bleed her daughter dry.

Stop this now.

I hear you loud and clear! It is very toxic and trust me I’m job hunting and flat hunting like crazy, I really can’t deal with all of this anymore !

OP posts:
twennysum · 01/05/2025 14:00

rainbowstardrops · 01/05/2025 09:07

Your mum sounds awful! I wouldn’t have taken the loans out but there’s not much you can do about that now. Just don’t ’lend’ her any more!
Could you go and live with your dad? Or house share? Your mother needs to wake up and sort her own life out.

I agree with you. She’s an adult and she should have her own life sorted tbh. Me my mum and dad still live together as the divorce isn’t finalised yet but I definitely plan on moving out hopefully once i get a new job! That’s my only option for now

OP posts:
twennysum · 01/05/2025 13:59

BlahBlahBittyBlah · 01/05/2025 09:03

So you are now £20k in debt and paying the loan repayments? So even if you wanted to cut her off and walk away, you’d still have that debt? How is she planning to pay you back? Do you have any kind of agreement in writing? I can’t believe she’s done this to you, it’s completely unacceptable.

You don’t say much about your dad here, do you still have a relationship with him? Does he understand she’s bleeding you dry too? Maybe it’s time to switch sides. Would he help you out of the financial hole she’s pushed you into so you can both cut her off?

Yea exactly. She says that by the proceeds sale of the house the debt will be repaid but we shall see. Because obvs if the house is sold then you use the money to get another house? Tbh we actually all still live together (me mum dad and siblings) but I haven’t told him about the loan, he would go absolutely mental and I don’t want to cause anymore friction between him and my mum than there already is.

OP posts:
twennysum · 01/05/2025 13:56

MissUltraViolet · 01/05/2025 09:01

Why on earth did you agree to that? 20k loans, £420 a month, she doesn’t have a job and no intentions of getting one. You've set yourself back years.

You need to get out of there ASAP. Do NOT give/lend her another penny, she sounds absolutely awful.

I know. I was naive and dumb and I guess just felt under pressure to do so because she didn’t have any money for lawyer. Trust me I wouldn’t do such a thing again and I’m planning to move out as soon as I can!

OP posts:
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