I feel happier and healthier when not around my mother

The article discusses the emotional turmoil experienced by an individual regarding their relationship with their mother, characterized by guilt, shame, and fear. During health-related isolation, feelings of relief emerged, highlighting the distress caused by the mother's emotional needs dominating. Despite recognizing the necessity of boundaries through therapy, attempts to implement these boundaries were met with resistance, leaving the individual feeling trapped and emotionally burdened. The author emphasizes the dilemma of reconciling love for the mother with the need to prioritize one's own mental and emotional health, questioning the possibility of a balanced relationship.

"Having to isolate brought you relief. I think this fact is profound. It shows me that you feel it's impossible to prevent your mother manipulating you into subjugating your own needs to serve hers."

"When parental relationships fall short of fulfilling our own emotional needs, they can leave us feeling at fault, burdened by guilt and a sense of obligation."

Read at www.theguardian.com