Telling you what to think...

[Orangesandlemons77]

Saw MIL and was told I "can't think like that'. I was explaining why I didn't want to work with young children anymore (due to the responsibility and having my own)
which I thought seemed reasonable.

Anyway I was told the above and that SHE thought I would enjoy it - as if my own feelings and thoughts were not valid.

I just wondered if anyone had expereince of this before. Is it normal to tell others they shouldn't think a certain way but should think differently?

It's not healthy, respectful or empathetic, but unfortunately I think it's relatively common.

It was certainly the norm in my house growing up. "Mum I feel sad" - "Don't be silly, no you don't." Being told what career path you wanted, which friends you liked and who you were allowed to fall in love with.

There are many people, I've realised, who think if other human beings not as individual people with their own needs and wants, but as cut out characters who they try to force into specific roles to support the lead actor, ie themselves.

Constantly.

I find I have to bite back occasionally to make the point that I am not, as @EvenMoreFuriousVexation says, a prop in their life.

What I find especially difficult is I have spent a long time listening to her and being empathetic etc not telling her how to think or feel, but it doesn't seem to happen in return. Maybe I'm expecting too much.