I feel AWFUL writing this but I find interactions with my DM so draining. She's not mean or unkind but can be difficult and outspoken and I just feel so wiped out after seeing or speaking to her. She's very intense with my 2 dc and I tend to sit there like a spare part most of the time whilst she gets them all hyped up and overexcited. Most of the conversation revolves around whatever she's got going on and sometimes she doesn't even ask how I am. For example when we got back from our holiday she texted to say "are you back? I need to come and use your shower because ours has broken" and when I called her to discuss it was only as we were about to hang up that she said "oh and how was your holiday?" as a complete afterthought. I know how petty that sounds but that's pretty much how every conversation goes.
I spend time with my DF (my parents are divorced) and it's lovely. Relaxed, easy going, fun, light hearted and I enjoy his company. With DM it's intense and feels much more of an obligation.
I don't dislike her and can't quite pinpoint what makes it all so full on but I never come away particularly happy or at ease or satisfied from the conversation or visit.
She has to be the life and soul and centre of attention of any occasion and the way she dominates a situation makes me cringe and want to run a mile.
I'm sure I'm going to hell for saying all this but I needed to vent. And I feel incredibly sad for feeling like it's easier to keep her at arms length. I see my friends with lovely, easy relationships with their mums and realize that I simply do not have the same with my DM.