Narcissistic Parents ... Do You Have One

@MissNikki (5237)
Maple Ridge, British Columbia
June 1, 2019 12:58pm CST
I've come to realize (sadly) over the past few years that my mother is a narcissist. If you are unsure what this means, here is a quick definition: "Typically, narcissistic parents are exclusively and possessively close to their children and are particularly threatened by their children's growing independence.[1] This results in a pattern of narcissistic attachment, with the child considered to exist solely to fulfill the parent's wishes and needs.[2] A common tactic of narcissistic parent is to control their children with threats and emotional abuse. Relative to developmental psychology, narcissistic parenting will adversely affect children in the areas of reasoning, emotional, ethical, and societal behaviors and attitudes as they mature.[3] Within the realm of narcissistic parenting, personal boundaries are often disregarded with the goal of molding and manipulating the child to satisfy the parents’ expectations.[4]" (Definition from Wikipedia, link at bottom) I've struggled with this as I have tried to come to terms with my mom's behaviour and the way she treats me. Almost everyday there is some type of anger towards me for some reason, and if I react in an angry way towards her, it turns into a huge guilt trip and ends with me apologizing as she demands. The other day I admit I did overreact and get angry with her for something, and when I did try to apologize, it was not good enough. She said the apology was "all about" me and not about what I did to her. Because I worded the apology as "I am sorry that I overreacted and raised my voice at you" it was about me. In her mind I should have said "I am sorry that I made you feel so bad about blah blah blah." ... so today I was supposed to visit with her, but I am not feeling well so I let her know that. I got this message from her ... "You can give the apology when you feel better. When that time comes if I have anything to say to you then you will listen respectfully and without any debate." So I have no say in anything, cannot have an opinion on her words, just have to take it and deal with it and that's that. Seem fair? I told her that is very arrogant and domineering of her to say. Obviously she didn't like that. She said "You owe me. I don't care what I sound like." I owe her? Yes, she is my mother, she gave me life. Yes, she raised me almost entirely on her own. Yes, I realize the things she has done for me in life. Does that give her the right to use me in order to try and have some control in her life and to use as someone to do what she wants and when she wants it? I don't believe so. She is demanding of my time and attention. If I go out to a store or for a day with my partner she makes me feel bad for not asking her to go. She is demanding of my time and energy. But I can't just throw her away or toss her aside. She is my mother. So I am trying to learn how other people who have the same experience deal with it. There is no escaping, she lives in my basement suite and we would not be able to afford this house without her contribution so we need to make this work. I feel bad writing all of this but no one she or I know in real life will see this so at least there's that ... and I needed to get it out. Edit: I found this quote in an article, and it explains perfectly ... "She speaks proudly of you, like you are her possession. People are wary, but usually duped, by her great show of affection for you in public. In private, you’re the scum of the earth. Sounding familiar?" https://www.yourtango.com/.../12-ways-your-narcissistic... (Photo belongs to me.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_parent)
6 people like this
6 responses
• United States
1 Jun 19
i feel fer ya, hon. i married one...charmin'n delightful out'n public. demeanin' 'n demandin' 'way from such. pouts like a 5yr ol' fer days if'n he don't get his way. sadly there's lil to be done 'bout such behavior 's either such's learnt 'r genetic (his momma 'twas that way). outside 'f settin' firm boundaries, which i've found only work fer a short spell's they can't wait fer ya to let'cher guard down 'n such starts all o'er.
3 people like this
• United States
10 Jun 19
@MissNikki yes ma'am, 'nly too well. i should'a ran screamin' like my hair 'twas'n fire when such 'havior started...
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
13 Jun 19
@crazyhorseladycx Is there a reason that you didn't?
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
10 Jun 19
Glad that you understand
1 person likes this
@paigea (35775)
• Canada
9 Jun 19
I believe wé can not changé others. Wé can take care of ourselves. Go for your day with your partner and when she berates you, have a phrase you stick to. "I enjoyed my day, I have some time to spend with you now." or something that suits you. Absolutely don't be drawn into a discussion about it. Take your stand lovingly but firmly. This is what I learned in Toughlove©. It is all about loving people who are tough to love while taking care of yourself.
1 person likes this
@paigea (35775)
• Canada
11 Jun 19
@MissNikki not advice. Just ideas.
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
13 Jun 19
@paigea Appreciated either way.
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
10 Jun 19
Thank you for the advice, Paige
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
1 Jun 19
My parents were the best when they were alive.
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
10 Jun 19
I am glad to hear that
1 person likes this
@VivaLaDani13 (60584)
• Perth, Australia
18 Jun 19
@MissNikki Just to quickly answer your question, yes. Sometimes my dad and actually some of my family members can be narcissistic. Your story about your mum honestly had my heart beating fast. Not just because I can say I know what it's like to be in a position of being made to feel guilty over something I shouldn't be but also because I care about you. I don't find it fair or right for you to be made to feel a certain way. I'm just so sorry your mum does all of this to you. Please PLEASE, vent all you want. So much better to vent then to not say anything at all! I wish I had something so positive to say or suggest something for you but it's really hard as the most simplest actions can still turn sour. Only thing I suggest, and strongly suggest is talking to her. I even say this half heartedly because she already reminds me of someone who will still take it all out on you instead of trying to actually listen to your words and fix the problem. I'm in no way trying to disrespect your mum at all, I'm just angry with how people can be and that attitude drives me nuts. It's like damned if you do and damned if you don't. I do wish it all the be fixed. More importantly, for you to be strong with her words. Hopefully to a point where her words and actions don't feel like control. I might even suggest giving a taste of her own medicine. I know that may sound immature but screw it. Sometimes treating people how they treat us can be a wake up call. Say something you mean and stick to it without saying sorry. If she wants to do the whole silent treatment or make you feel bad, tell her she may but it's not going to work. You are the one being more mature. Not her. You owe her NOTHING! You really don't. You are a wonderful person, with your own life, and not entitled to forever be chained to her just because she gave birth to you. If she wants to use giving birth to you as blackmail then she is the one who needs to grow up! She gave birth to a daughter not a friggen slave! Do whatever you feel is best. I'm just venting myself now as I can't stand people who do this! It annoys the bloody crap out of me and only adds to the list of why I friggen hate people some times.
@LindaOHio (157742)
• United States
1 Jun 19
I'm sorry that you have to deal with this.
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
10 Jun 19
Thank you Linda
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203451)
• Nashville, Tennessee
5 Jun 19
This is such a sad situation, I have dealt with toxic family, but my parents have passed. It is a tough issue and all you can do is walk away, in my opinion. They cannot be changed.
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
10 Jun 19
I cannot walk away because she lives in my house ... so for now I just limit the time we interact together as much as possible.
1 person likes this
@MissNikki (5237)
• Maple Ridge, British Columbia
13 Jun 19
@CarolDM Thank you hun
@CarolDM (203451)
• Nashville, Tennessee
10 Jun 19
@MissNikki Distance is the best solution. I feel for you.
1 person likes this