Anyone else feel their mum kept them at arm’s length?

[HulkHogansHair]

This may sound odd but I cant be the only one. Did anyone's mum keep them at arms length ? My mum was always odd and volatile. She could be verbally abusive and at times physical. I always feel like her answers to me are very curated and not what she really thinks like she cant just be herself with me. The relationship is a bit forced tbh

Just me then

Opposite really. My mum was like this during my teenage years due to mental health difficulties. I know it wasn't her fault, but it was traumatic and has affected me into adulthood. She is much better now and she'd love a closer relationship, but I keep her at arm's length to protect my own emotional wellbeing.

Yes. She was very religious and disapproving of everything I did. As a child and now an adult.
its very tricky.

My mother did this but I think it was a generational thing for her . There was no discussions about personal things . So no talks about sex or relationships . Just expected that we would do whatever the Church advised . Also no talk of any family issues or " bad behaviour" in the family so no idea some cousins grew up in a dysfunctional alcoholic family . Very much secretive and private about things like money . Made me not ever tell her any concerns as didn't want to worry her . She also never asked for anything or stated any preference for things . But also made our relationship a bit distant . She was very supportive in other ways and would do anything asked of her . I am only sorry that she died before I was mature enough to try and make it closer.