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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To go low contact with my mother

11 replies

Anawana · 02/11/2023 12:08

My parents separated when I was 8 months old. My father moved to another city when I was 3, and my mum when I was 5. I was left with my abusive nan. Just to give you an idea, my auntie went to therapy during her divorce and her therapist said that her mother (my nan) sounded like a textbook narcissist.

My mum was aware of the abusive behaviour, she was exposed to that growing up herself, yet left me with her. I'd see her every 2-3 week. Even before she moved away, I'd see her only on weekends and odd weekdays. I was left with my nan pretty much full time since I was a newborn. The reason for her relocation was a promotion and she did well in her career. She bought investment properties and always said that 'I had to abandon my beloved daughter with a heavy heart, but sorted our future and finances.'

I moved in with her when I was 10, but our bond was never strong. I was left unsupervised whilst she worked long hours. I moved abroad when I was 23 and have been living away for the last 6 years.

I don't speak with my father. In mum's case, she is 55 and retired, travelling the world. 5-6 long haul and around 10 short haul trips a year. She phones me pretty much every day but often to moan about her problems and money. She also asks favours such as 'can you look for a cheap flight ticket to so and so country?' despite me having shown her how to use Skyscanner many times. Or 'can you help me create a video comprised of my photos from my last trip?' I work full time and don't have time for any of this. Also, quite frankly, I don't feel particularly close to her.

Today we had a fight on the phone. She told me that she put one of the houses on sale. I told her that it's her money and she can do whatever she wants with it, but I felt disappointed that the only silver lining of me growing up motherless was the financial security of those houses. She told me that it was her houses and hers only and she didn't owe me anything.

She said that I wasn't even a good daughter as I never helped her out (with the things I mentioned above). I told her I didn't rely on her at any point of my life anyway. I told her that despite struggling with anxiety and depression since I know myself because of the childhood I had, I had a good career and made something out of my life. She then said 'You won't go far in life if you still blame me for your issues and act like a victim'. I hung up and decided to go low contact going forward. AIBU?

OP posts:
Manadou · 02/11/2023 12:25

You are not being unreasonable to reduce contact or stop it completely with any relative who does your head in, whether a parent, sibling, or other. It's your life you are living. Be prepared to get cut out of any will, though! I cut off contact with my abusive narcissist fater when I was 33; I just let it peter out. We had been low contact since I left home at 20. I did not see him again in the remaining part of his life and when he died everything went to my sister, and I don't begrudge it to her. It took me till maybe I was 50 to see (I worked it out for myself) that "blaming my father for my troubles and seeing myself as a victim" was holding me back. (even, or maybe especially, if it was true). At his wake I mentioned the elephant in the room asked a cousin if the rest of the family knew how he treated me, and he said they knew he was "damaged", but "nobody wanted to say anything". Personally I think the sooner you cut her loose and start sailing your own ship the better.

Anawana · 02/11/2023 12:46

I fully agree with what you're saying. That's why I built myself a good life miles away from any of them and been in therapy for a few years now. I'm so sorry for what happened to you as well. Nobody deserves to be born in such shite families.

OP posts:
Mary46 · 02/11/2023 13:06

Feel for you op. Toxic families are crap. My mother can be entitled and nasty. So I dont visit or its on my terms. She 80s. Thats not the point. Respect is 2 way

HarrietStyles · 02/11/2023 13:13

I’m sorry you had a shit childhood 💐 I am low contact with my narcissist Mother, keep her at arms length and I will never allow her too closely back in again. She’s never done you any favours in life so don’t allow her to pressure you into doing any favours for her. People reap what they sow when it comes to their children. Continue building your life how you want it and allow your friends to become your “chosen family”.

billyt · 02/11/2023 13:18

Didn't you post the same thing recently?

Anawana · 02/11/2023 13:24

Billy. I posted about resenting my mother a while back. I received immense support by the way, so thanks all. I never realised how bad it was until thay post. Today we had the aforementioned fight on the phone and decided to go low contact.

OP posts:
gooddayruby · 02/11/2023 21:45

Honestly, I would have cut off contact by now. How unforgivable of her to abandon you, seemingly with no good reason. Well done for coming this far on your own, you should be proud.

MafsisNafsbutcompelling · 02/11/2023 21:47

Mum and gran sound like a narcissist

Hibambinos · 02/11/2023 21:53

You are doing great OP. You have made a lovely life for yourself in spite of her. I would block and move on. You are not her emotional crutch.

Gremlins101 · 02/11/2023 21:56

She's an awful narcissist and well done for making a life for yourself. Yanbu.

billyt · 03/11/2023 09:56

Anawana · 02/11/2023 13:24

Billy. I posted about resenting my mother a while back. I received immense support by the way, so thanks all. I never realised how bad it was until thay post. Today we had the aforementioned fight on the phone and decided to go low contact.

@Anawana

Was just wondering as I was sure I'd read the same thing recently. Whilst hoping there were not two people suffering the same.

Sounds like NC is your best bet for the sake of your mental health.

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