Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Enough is enough. I want to cut my mother out of my life but feel so guilty

8 replies

JennyJoJack · 11/03/2010 21:04

My relationship with my mother has gone steadily downhhill since having my children. My older sister has always been Mum's favourite (and Mum doesn't hide it). My older sister has also always been jealous of me. My older sister is a drama queen always looking to put herself at the centre of Mum's world. She is 45 years old and has never really broken away from Mum. I am not sure my sister wants to and Mum doesn't want her too either. All rather odd, really.

Over the years I have been very hurt by my Mum's favouritism. Recently my sister has over-stepped the mark and got herself into an unbelievable mess. Mum is beside herself with worry. Out of an enormous sense of duty, I called Mum last week to offer support if she wanted to talk about things. She wanted to talk about my sister's situation. I offered her sound advice and she seemed genuinely grateful (my Dad died 20 years ago and my Mum appears to have no friends).

Last weekend I received a series of emails and texts from my sister that were abusive, vindictive and downright nasty. I found them deeply upsetting but did not sink so low as to respond. Mum had clearly gone back to my sister and said "Jenny says...." about everything we discussed. My Mum knew that this might/would fan the flames. I do not deserve this and was genuinely trying to offer some support to my Mum. Mum was worried sick.

My relationship with my sister is beyond saving, but now I can't be bothered with my Mum either. I have had so many years of my sister doing no wrong and me doing no right. I want to cut ties.... I want to stop trying to make everything right and focus on my own children...... but just feel sooooooooo guilty about cutting my mother out of my life. After all..... she is my Mother. I have never not rung her on Mother's Day. I can't bear the thought of speaking to her on Sunday though. I have not spoken to her since our conversation last week.

OP posts:
cyb · 11/03/2010 21:08

Sounds like your Mum loves to be needed and your sis is more than happy to play the needy victim.

Your Mum is just doing waht any weak parent would do though, isn't she? helping out her child.

Even though it seems unfair towards you, if it was your 2 children and one was crashing from one disaster to the next wouldn;t you help them?

I think your sister is the one who needs a stern talking to, not your Mum.

FWIW I have this with my younger brother and Mum, altho he doesn;t sound quite as unhinged as your sis

JennyJoJack · 11/03/2010 21:14

thanks cyb..... I have no relationship with my sister. She would never listen to me. She hates me. She hates my life. I cared that she has caused my Mum so much pain though. I am not sure what I think now.....

OP posts:
cyb · 11/03/2010 21:22

Can you just become a bit more detached form them? How I make sense of my weirdo family is I kind of feel sorry for them , that they don;t know any better and they deserve each other really.

Luckily I have a good group of friends for support and a lovely dh.

I chat to my Mum but its all very superficial, I dont think she deserves to know about my life really.

I don;t talk to my brother anymore, I mean I dont ring him or meet up but would talk to him if we were together somewhere

JennyJoJack · 11/03/2010 21:39

I've tried to have a superficial relationship with my Mum. She isn't particularly interested in my life or my children so that makes it easy for me, I suppose. It hurts me though. Ringing up to talk about the weather is all rather pointless. All she cares about is my sister..... all I would like is her to show a bit of interest in my life. Is THIS worth it?

I like your attitude!

OP posts:
BenHer · 11/03/2010 21:51

Sounds like you've tried your best.No point suffering unduly,if your mum wants you she knows where to find you.Leave them to it!

Doha · 11/03/2010 21:53

Jenny l too now have a very superficial relationship with my mother.

After years of being a poor second to my domineering and demanding sister l finally saw the light.

I have very non specific conversations with my mum and give her no information that can be discussed with any other family member.

I have no contact with my sister and this is my choice and having made the decision to cut contact with sister and limited with mum my life is much easier. I no longer dread the phone ringing or feel quilty when l don't phone her every night.

exotictraveller · 12/03/2010 12:41

Your "mother" is a mother in name only by the sounds of it. She does not sound as if she has actually been a mother to you in the real sense of the word. Would you treat your children like she has treated you?

If you feel you want to, please take a look at the Stately Homes thread in Relationships.

It may not be the right time for you now, but you need to open your eyes and really look at the situation objectively, look at the dynamics of your family relationships and work out what 'role' you have been cast within your family drama. Do you want to forever play that role because I doubt if it bears any resemblance to the real you. Step out of the 'drama' and start reclaiming your self and your life. Good Luck.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 12/03/2010 13:25

Hi,

I would also suggest you look at the "Stately Homes" thread along with posting on there and read "Toxic Parents" written by Susan Forward.

Dysfunctional and damaged individuals never apologise for their actions nor accept any responsibility but are more than happy to blame others for their ills. You seem to have been cast as role of "scapegoat" in the dysfunctional unit from where you came.

Your problem goes beyond your sister's behaviour, your Mother has also contributed over the years to the favouritism shown towards her too. I would leave the two of them to it and live your own life without their toxic prescence in it. It is not easy to do though and you may want to consider talking to a counsellor.

You are trapped in the "FOG" - fear, obligation, guilt along with as many children who have come from dysfunctional families.

You may also want to read "When you and your Mother cannot be friends" written by Rebecca Secunda.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread