Some People I Know

[poliphilo]

When she was only a baby they decided that their daughter would be a tribulation to them. It's how they accounted for her to themselves. And it was the script they handed her- both a license and a condemnation.

Half a century later they still adhere to the script. They like it so much, they have passed over every opportunity to know her better, to find out who she really is. Even though she's now their chief support, they enjoy telling friends and strangers- yes, even strangers- what a tribulation she is.

And they run her down to her face.

They are not otherwise bad people. They have virtues.

But all of that is none of my business. My business is to hate them. 

Comments

The Parent

[daisytells.livejournal.com]

When I was only in my late 20's and struggling to deal with my alcohol problem I kept on blaming my parents. God knows, my mother's behavior toward me resembled the people you are describing. However, by my 30th birthday I began to "outgrow" my parents (I like that way of putting it), realizing that I was now old enough to be my OWN mother. With the freedom engendered by that attitude, I was at last able to stop the drinking and get on with my life. Over time, I was able to view parents in a kindly light, while asserting my right to decent treatment.
I am very glad that my mother has lived so long.....
We have had a good and loving relationship for the past fifteen years or so.

Re: The Parent

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I had a rather similar- very distant- relationship with my own mother, but it has sweetened considerably in the last few years.