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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Narcissistic mother

11 replies

Ontherocksthisyear · 16/12/2024 11:01

I've read a few threads about this topic. Trying to work out how I deal with my narcissistic mum.

I'm pretty sure she is a narcissist, but she is also incredibly good at gaslighting. My brother and sister think she means well underneath. Although, I am starting to question if they have just had the wool pulled over their eyes.

I've always known she is difficult and moody, but it's never affected me too much. But since meeting my current partner and moving out of my mums, it's become so much worse. I think this is to do with her losing control over me, so the games have been turned up a notch. My partner has also pointed out that a lot of her behaviour isn't normal and that the things she says and does are often really out of order. My friend also has a narcissist mother and has been to councilling for it. I see the similarities.

I'm just really struggling on how to move forward in my relationship with her. I used to have such a close relationship with her, but I just can not get over how she has treated me recently, and since coming to this realisation that she is actually a narcissist ive been reflecting on a lot of her behaviour when i was growing up.

A big one for example is that she has always tried to turn her against my dad, used to slag him off in front of me and brother since i can remember. I have always thought my dad was in the wrong, as she would say he treats her badly (they are still together btw- well cohabiting). But now I am wondering if this is quite true and think she should have either left him or not tried to turn me and my brother against him. Mine and my brothers relationship with my dad has always been bad, i think as a result of this. I do recognise he isnt perfect but maybe he has never been that bad. I am starting to becoming closer with my dad and he recently said (after i had a fall out with my mum) 'i think your mum is actually just not a nice person, pretending to be nice'... this has stayed with me, and often i think it is true.

But then I start questioning whether I have been to harsh in thinking so badly of her- because she can act lovely and denies half the stuff she ever says and does.

I have considered starting a journal, just to document her treatment of me and how it makes me feel - so i know it isn't just all in my head. I think if either my brother or sister came out and said, 'your right, how she treats others isn't right,' then I would feel confident in my thinking this. Tbh, I do think I have been more of a target recently because of me moving out, so prehaps they don't see it how I do.

Any advice?

OP posts:
PomandersandRedRibbon · 16/12/2024 11:08

Hi op a journal is a good idea..
If she is one then you will have been through the mill.

Perhaps you could pull back without making big announcements for a while? There is a good podcast on this "" insight narrasicm" maybe listen to some episodes and see if anything resonates? It's got excellent advice and a fb page.

Ontherocksthisyear · 16/12/2024 11:10

PomandersandRedRibbon · 16/12/2024 11:08

Hi op a journal is a good idea..
If she is one then you will have been through the mill.

Perhaps you could pull back without making big announcements for a while? There is a good podcast on this "" insight narrasicm" maybe listen to some episodes and see if anything resonates? It's got excellent advice and a fb page.

Thank you, I'll go and check that out now! Basically, anything to help me understand all of this and clear my thoughts would be great

OP posts:
PomandersandRedRibbon · 16/12/2024 11:11

It's excellent resource op I'm sure you will find some answers there.

canyouletthedogoutplease · 16/12/2024 11:24

You don't need your siblings to corroborate your story, your experience is just that, yours. There's no real one "truth" to most situations, just different perspectives, but your having moved out recently would be likely to kick off any tendencies that she has for sure, as you individuate.

Journalling never a bad plan, there are definitely some weird people out there and some of them happen to be parents. Good luck with making this make more sense, and enjoy your new home and having your own space. Arms length her for a bit, if you need to. Anyone balanced and reasonable wouldn't chuck a fit if you did this, which is one signifier that something is up.

Mary46 · 16/12/2024 11:46

Hi op journal a good idea. I have same going on. Better boundaries. Sometimes she tries control.. I joke it off ah stop Im a grown adult.(50s)

sigmaboy · 16/12/2024 11:48

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

AbitSceptical · 16/12/2024 11:52

When You and Your Mother Can't Be Friends: Resolving the Most Complicated Relationship of Your Life Paperback – 1 Jan. 1990’

Will I Ever Be Good Enough?: Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers’

I found these two books to be very helpful. Resolving these issues will take years but it does get better. Good luck

AbitSceptical · 16/12/2024 11:54

Btw my siblings did not support me at first, it was only when she turned on them that they saw what I saw. We all are on the same page now and manage her as a team.

ChristmasinBrighton · 16/12/2024 12:00

You might find it useful to read the “Stately Homes” threads in relationships.

If your mother is having a negative impact, try putting her on an information diet, only telling her the minimum. And have less frequent and less intense contact. She won’t like it but you have to protect yourself.

Ontherocksthisyear · 16/12/2024 13:07

Thank you for the replies, I will definitely be taking up some of these suggestions. I just can't believe how much of a negative view I have of her now. It doesn't sit well, but I feel putting in boundaries and distancing myself might be the only way forward.

I will certainly be made out to be the bad guy to all others in my family. This is what I especially hate about it all. When we have a disagreement or argument, she will tell both my siblings and my dad. It just feels disloyal and affects my relationship with them as well. Of course, she plays the absolute victim in it all.

OP posts:
canyouletthedogoutplease · 16/12/2024 13:20

You don't have to tell your siblings. You don't have to share your thoughts and feelings about her, they are yours. You can take steps to protect yourself without announcing it, or getting permission, or seeking approval from your siblings.

You're an adult, you have your own life to live, and the decisions you make about how you spend your time and who with are yours alone. Loads of resource out there, including podcasts if you're into those, baby steps, it's a big deal when the scales fall from your eyes, look after yourself.

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