Parenting

Last edited Fri Mar 26, 2021, 11:17 AM - Edit history (1)

https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/03/psychology-of-silent-treatment-abuse/618411/

I sympathize with that pain - From the other side, I'm now the obedient (adult) kid, not the parent who said and followed through with her "I never want to speak to you again." choice. I gave her the opportunity to think on that, but she chose the now long estrangement without apology and, finally, I hung up. She's had a phone # (not mine) that she has only used once to say that dad was in a bad way; come, because he's asked after his kid(s); he won't recognize you." She and those who took her side have missed a lot pf opportunity for familial joyfulness! My family has not missed the toxic messages that, more importantly, don't include an apology nor forgiveness of her "disappointment" in me and my spouse, my kids, and a great grandson she's never met. The one phone call only exhibited forgetfulness that she actually willingly chose the estrangement and the pain it's caused. For want of an apology...very sad she can't or won't...and so I'm now at least "obedient" to "honor" the toxic controlling message of a now 92-year-old, and her choice, itself a clear message.