Long Story
Last year was a turning point for me.
My mom has struggled with drinking for years, and it’s led to several really difficult and honestly traumatic experiences. (besides this one)
Last year we had planned a trip to Portugal together for September after my original plans with a friend fell through.
I thought I could keep things stable (haha) but one day in June she started drinking in the morning and, as usual things spiraled.
When I tried to leave, she blocked me (which isn’t new), and it turned into hours of verbal attacks, and eventually physical aggression. It ended with me running out of the house and calling the police. Because of the law, she was arrested something I didn’t intend, but it made me realize I couldn’t keep living like that. The whole experience was horrible.
For context, I was living w/ my mom, stepdad, and our two dogs (we adopted them together pre-COVID, when things were stable)
Anyway after that, I moved out. I stayed with my boyfriend for a couple of months and now have my own place. I’ve tried to maintain some form of contact, but every time, the drinking resurfaces……..
Now she’s in our homeland (she often travels there unpredictably and extends her stay) & she’s expecting me watch the dogs so my stepdad can join her. This isn’t the first time her decisions have created obligations for me.
After many repeated cycles, I feel completely drained and I don’t even have anything to say anymore.
One of the hardest parts is that she doesn’t acknowledge the impact of her drinking at ALL. When things happen, they’re often brushed under the rug. Even apologies seem childlike and there never any real change.
For example, I lost money canceling the trip we had, and instead of addressing what led to that, it was minimized as “just not meant to be.” She’s very religious so she really means it.
I love my mom, but I can’t keep putting myself in situations where I feel unsafe around her or responsible for managing her life. As an immigrant daughter, I feel like I’ve taken on a lot for her over the years.
We share dogs, which adds another layer. I care about them, but I’m now being expected to rearrange my life and stay at the house so my stepdad can travel, even though I have my own place now. That’s been another point of stress which is causing me to leave this post.
How do you maintain boundaries with a parent who doesn’t acknowledge the problem?