Cutting ties with an abusive or toxic parent is never an easy choice. Navigating holidays and special occasions when you’re estranged brings its own set of challenges — sadness, guilt, anger, even longing for what could’ve been — even when you know you made the right decision. This article will help you untangle the complex […]
Navigating Holidays and Special Occasions When You’re Estranged from Parents Read More »
As a highly sensitive person (HSP), toxic relationships can feel impossible to escape. This article explores the complex reasons why HSPs stay in toxic relationships and how you can break the cycle while remaining true to yourself and your sensitive nature. If you’re a highly sensitive person like me, you probably process sensory input, emotions,
Why Highly Sensitive People Stay In Toxic Relationships Read More »
Letting go without closure from a narcissistic parent can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re waiting for an apology or acknowledgment that may never come. Narcissistic parents often prioritize their own needs over yours, using manipulation, emotional neglect, and control tactics to maintain their position. They typically lack empathy, avoid responsibility, and remain unwilling to recognize
Letting Go Without Closure: How to Heal from a Narcissistic Parent Read More »
Having a narcissistic parent can be draining and take a serious toll on all aspects of your life. In this article, I use the term narcissism to describe someone who needs constant attention, struggles to show empathy, and often puts their own needs above everyone else’s. As an adult child of a narcissistic parent, you
How to Set Boundaries with a Narcissistic Parent Read More »
Were you the scapegoat or peacemaker in your family of origin? In dysfunctional families, members often adopt specific roles as coping mechanisms to deal with the chaos and instability. These roles help us survive the dysfunction but also create problems. Addiction and Mental Illness Impact the Entire Family System In a dysfunctional family, the struggles
Mother’s Day is painful when you’re not close to your mother. For many, Mother’s Day is a stark reminder of a relationship that’s fractured, distant, or even non-existent. Strained mother-child relationships are not uncommon, yet our communities, families, and the media persist in portraying mothers as angels and mother-child relationships as unbreakable. The pressure to
Mother’s Day When You Aren’t Close to Your Mother Read More »
Some children don’t get much of a childhood. When children have to act like adults – taking responsibility for their siblings, parents, and running a household– there are lasting effects. What is a parentified child? A parentified child is one that has taken on some or all of their parent’s responsibilities. Out of necessity, the
Parentified Child: When a Child has to Act Like an Adult Read More »
Cutting ties with your family is difficult—and not what most people want. But sometimes it’s the only way to save your sanity and heal the emotional pain caused by a “toxic”* or abusive family. Cutting ties with toxic family members is an act of self-care. Not something you do because you’re mean or spiteful. It’s
Cutting Ties with Toxic Family Members: An Act of Self-Care Read More »
Emotional invalidation is painful. Sometimes it’s unintentional, but it’s a sign of emotional abuse when done repeatedly and intentionally. Have others minimized, shamed, or invalidated your feelings? Having your feelings diminished, ignored, or rejected is a painful experience for all of us – but even more so if you’re a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) or
Emotional Invalidation: A Form of Emotional Abuse Read More »
This post contains an affiliate link, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. There is no added cost for you. People with toxic behaviors (“toxic people”)* can make your life miserable. But you can reclaim your life! In this article, you’ll start to learn how to
