"I know exactly what you mean"

[OhmyImsoCross]

Aaaaaargh....no you don't.
Just venting as unwell with a particularly nasty cold this week and wasn't able to go to work. I also very much struggled to get up and dressed at 630 every morning, feed the kids, drive them to school and then do the reverse at 3pm along with cooking them dinner, helping with homework, bed time routine and all the other household matters (washing, cleaning etc). I didnt think I'd get through each day.

I'm a lone parent, kids haven't seen their dad for 2 years, no family nearby, no home help etc. I work 50 hour weeks in a demanding job. Generally exhausted but this week have been really unwell.

When looking for some supportive words from a friend because I've really struggled this week, she just said she knew "exactly" how hard it was because she had also had a cold. Erm, no, not.the same. She is in a supportive marriage, with family who help out during the week as well. Not even sightly the same.

I'm so frustrated that being a lone parent is endlessly thankless. Even some small acknowledgement sometimes from friends and family would be nice. The weight of being responsible for everything in the family is immense and I feel so deeply angry when those who arent completely alone or people who do have some support compare their situation. They have no idea. Just none.

I know I have to get on with it regardless. I know their opinion shouldnt matter. But, it does hurt. Do I want a medal? Maybe, yes sometimes. Just a little bit of acknowledgement.

@Fizzadora wow, lack of empathy there or what? you just wanted to find a way to bring the OP down. Give it a break. Not the time or the place for your complete lack of understanding.

Same here I can't even bear to talk to my friends who are mums with family and partners now and hear about their struggles. I'm ill and I'm wondering how everyone copes with the guilt of being ill when they can't take their kids out or play with them?

My sister does this. Her sorrow is always loftier than everyone else's (to paraphrase Samuel Beckett). I've told this story before on here when she has insisted she was just like a single parent because her husband worked such long hours.

I said to her "yes but Sis, I earn all the money as well".

She's started doing it again recently saying how she does everything but I notice she doesn't even know who her car insurance is with and she doesn't know how to book a train ticket or a flight online as her husband does all that for her.