How do you deal with parents who have high expectations of you? Have you ever had to distance yourself from your parents?
I'm trying to avoid writing a novel length post, but basically, I'm an only child and my parents are super involved in my life, have an opinion on everything I do, and are constantly either praising me or making me feel like shit about my life decisions. And aside from sex work, which I've managed to keep mostly under the radar, I've accomplished a lot that they are proud of -- I've worked my ass off my whole life, I graduated from college with a master's degree and got a very respectable job (even though I left it last year, because of health/relationship problems, which did not make the parents happy). My hobbies are music and art, so of course they randomly ask me to perform music or show my art to friends/family, and talk about all my "accomplishments." I'm their show pony, but I hate it, it stresses me out and puts a lot of pressure on me. I've talked to my friends who have siblings, and they say they don't have to deal with this stuff. I just never feel like I'm good enough, and even minor things (like my recent problem of changing plans from teaching abroad to coming home for a few months and saving money first) make me agonize and rip my hair out wondering how disappointed they're going to be.
I realize I should be grateful to have parents who are alive, involved, and care about me, but it's not really a great situation. I appreciate them, but sometimes their behavior really takes a toll on me.
I've already distanced myself from my dad, but my mom is still a part of my life. She texts me every day, is constantly talking about me/sharing all my posts on facebook, and wants me to come back home/to come visit me abroad so we can spend time together. Today I finally unfollowed her on facebook, because it's driving me insane.
Anyone have similar experiences or advice?




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