I have a brother who is downright nasty. He has always treated the women in our family as lesser and is generally an unpopular , difficult man.
I have a son with depression and chronic anxiety. He has always been like this and his behaviour to the outside world would seem controlling. Those of you with such children will understand that.
Today my son was happy, having fun with friends. I was hovering around. The boys were messing and trying to get extra treats but my brother soon figured it out. He is critical and not picking to all children including his own.
He told them to go off( quite rightly) but added ' your mother isn't around now to be coming to your rescue ' or some such comment.
He shouted this out loud in front of a big group and he didnt realise that I was there.
When he did realise , I had , at that stage ,called the boys over and told them to behave and go away but also asked what exactly my brother had shouted.
My brother heard this and ran down to ' explain it away'.
I simply told him that he of course was right to tell them to go away but when I asked him what exactly he had said to my son, he diverted.
I can't stand his nastiness.
I've gone through hell with my son and indeed my other children after a traumatic family event some years ago, and they are all doing really well now with lots of interventions etc.
My brother has shown zero support especially as I am a lone parent now.
I am so so hurt and I can't understand why.
That is who he is. I know that .
The shouting of that comment is what's hurt me most. Humiliating my child, me and essentially our family in front of so many who know us. He tried to be over friendly etc afterwards but I just left. I'm disgusted, hurt, embarrassed.
Any words of advice.
I'm here on my own this evening and I'm spiralling.