Need advice on dealing with a critical mother

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Replies

  • Firekeeper66
    Firekeeper66 Posts: 116 Member
    You're not alone.

    Although my mom is fantastic and I'm very close to her, my stepmother is very critical and has been since I was a kid.

    One of my personal favs: TWO days after my father died, she gave me a lecture on not wearing enough make up "You'd look so much prettier if...." and told me that my father always thought I looked better with my hair short (it's long now and I know my father couldn't have cared less about my hairstyle).

    She was basing this on how I looked sitting by my father's bedside on the night he died I guess. Apparently she thought I could have been dolled up a little more. ("Hang on there dad, don't die yet, I'm just going to put some eyeliner on...")

    Can't please everyone.
  • Trisha_Lynn_
    Trisha_Lynn_ Posts: 6 Member
    Wow, that's a really sucky situation with your mom and my heart goes out to you. (((Hug)))

    It sounds like you have gotten some great advice on here, and I have to agree with those that advocate limiting contact with her. I know that emotions can get complicated when it's your mom, but you don't deserve to be treated like that.

    Take care.
  • mammamaurer
    mammamaurer Posts: 418 Member
    we have "the family butt" over here... thankfully the only overly critical non-marital( story for another day) family members we have are 3,000 mile away now... and soon there will be the pacific ocean between us... so if they are willing to pay to come see use we will just have to deal with them for a few weeks, and theres no feeling greater than droping their butts off at the airport after.:drinker:
  • mortuseon
    mortuseon Posts: 579 Member
    Great advice here.

    If none of that works, how about telling you her how you feel in song format?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_484793&feature=iv&src_vid=9zI3_pnUU3k&v=EuJzSTNDUGI

    :wink:
  • NancieFeatherston
    NancieFeatherston Posts: 52 Member
    You are perfect whole and complete... You deserve a mom that is your biggest fan however not all of us got that. Your mom, like my mom does not seem to have boundaries. It took me years to not react to her. Eventually, I would actually say " I don't know how to respond to that". It would shut her down and I would not feel as badly if I had lipped her off. Moms can be a piece of work, I adore mine, but simply do not like her sometimes. She can be rude, out of line, her opinion of me is not my business any longer. My mom has no level of self awareness and is so convinced she is right on all topics that she may have Asperger's... and really that is the only way I can love her and forgive her, and be good to her anyway. Believing that she really can't help it. I have taught her how to treat me, but she crosses the line, and I say "well, I have to go"... or I change the subject.... or I just look at her and say it... Mom, give your head a shake! Who the hell do you think you are?" She doesn't like it, but when she comes round gain, she is always a bit softer and sweeter, for a little while. You will not change her. I have to accept her to an extent because I do want her to be apart of my life, so I moved a 1000 miles away, and take her in small doses. Sometimes you do that for love, because you only get one mom, and frankly a mouthy mom is better than no mom! Good luck with the woman! Oh, by the way, calling her by her first name, rather than "mom", seems to have an affect too! Suddenly she has to see herself as just another person doing their best, just like you. You are certainly not alone with having mom like yours! <3
  • hoyalawya2003
    hoyalawya2003 Posts: 631 Member
    I didn't have time to read all the responses, so I apologize if I repeat some of the advice.

    Your mother is toxic. Please don't take that the wrong way--it doesn't mean that she is worthless, or that you shouldn't love her. My father is toxic, too (in a different way--not comments about my weight). The way to deal with toxic people is the way you have begun--you create boundaries, you do not share as much about your life.

    Not talking about your weight loss is a good start. Next you will need to set the boundary of not discussing your body. You need to sit her down (NOT after a comment, but before, and at a time that you don't have any other conflicts), and calmly tell her that discussions about your appearance are off limits. Period. If she tries to change the subject, ignore it and don't get defensive. Tell her we can discuss that subject another time, but right now we are discussing your comments about my appearance. Then tell her what the consequences will be--if she discusses your appearance, you will leave (or hang up). Then DO IT. It is difficult, but the only way to change her behavior. She will pout, throw fits, try to guilt you, etc. But if you want to change the dynamic, you have to change your response to her. You will be happier.
  • hoyalawya2003
    hoyalawya2003 Posts: 631 Member
    parents only say things like this because she only wants the best for you. it's a different type of best in the way its communicated. sounds like yours and a few others arent sure how to communicate properly.

    Bullchips. Parents who say mean and critical things often do it for the same reason that non relatives say mean things--to make them feel better about themselves. There is a huge difference between a little blunt talk from a well-meaning parent and the type of comments the OP relayed in her post.
  • CaitlinW19
    CaitlinW19 Posts: 431 Member
    I can relate to this on a smaller scale...my mother has been obese most of her life now and has, in my eyes, always been very critical of my weight. I asked her not to make comments about it and, though I don't think it was ever close to the level of which you are dealing with, they comments would return.

    I don't remember what I said to my mother one day but the comments have stopped. I know it was something to the effect of how I understand she doesn't want me to be heavy like her (and I never have been though I've always struggled with my weight) and a appreciate that what she is saying comes from that place and she is only concerned for me out of her love. I stressed that I am not under illusions about my weight and see it in the mirror, in a bluges here and there, in all those things and I already struggle with the image of myself. I told her I remembered wanting to go on a diet as early as about 3rd grade...that I struggled with serious body image issues and that the comments do not help, but rather make me feel that much worse. I told her flat out that she was no longer allowed to comment on my weight gain. Period. Nothing. What I told her she could do was tell me when she notices the positive changes. If I looked good, or even just better, that was appropriate for her to tell me and I would be happy to hear it.

    I guess I must have struck a cord because I can't remember a single comment that has made me feel bad since then. I have actually come to a place where I feel I can ask her opinion on "if something makes me look fat" and I am a person that wants an honest answer to that questions. Maybe that was part of our deal too, that she could only give me that negative feedback if I asked. I'm not sure.

    Good luck. I know it's hard.
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member
    I can relate somewhat. My own mother has never really been critical of my weight which is shocking as I've been obese for most of my life. And she's only been overweight since her late 50s. But she IS extremely fixated on appearances and constantly makes comments that make me uncomfortable.

    Whether she is rudely criticizing a local news reporter's hair, saying her neighbor should really wear longer tunic style tops to hide her belly pooch, or "congratulating" my husband on being tall and broad shouldered & saying that is probably why I married him (that happened LAST NIGHT)...it's awkward for me to be around, because I don't usually think that way.

    My mom has her quirks when it comes to my looks. She doesn't mind that I am overweight and have short hair and so on...but AT LEAST (in her eyes) I dress fashionably and wear makeup...THANK GOODNESS. A few years ago I was at her house and I put on some fresh lipstick after lunch as an experiment (I always wear it but don't reapply too often) and when I walked back into the room she was smiling hugely and said "You look nice!!" and I told her, "You're much nicer to me when I have more makeup on, you know that?" She was offended and hurt. But it's totally true!

    Like your mom, mine was considered quite a dish in her younger years (Kim Kardashian figure, 'nuff said) and she's always operated under the assumption that her looks are her #1 asset. Life experiences taught me that looks are not all that important for ME beyond looking presentable and feeling good about myself and so on. I am not ugly but I never had heaps of attention & praise for being pretty like she did. Because of this, I consider myself lucky. I haven't struggled with ED or panic over the initial signs of aging like she did at my age (37).

    It sucks. I really think in some ways you just have to remember that her life and perspective is different from your own. But definitely DO talk to her and keep some boundaries, too!
  • hoyalawya2003
    hoyalawya2003 Posts: 631 Member
    When I look back now, it's bittersweet. She finally became calm and we started a better relationship. Then she died suddenly when I was 26. I have come to understand that she was likely bipolar (based on a lot of other details) and she knew she needed help (she mentioned it a few times) but wouldn't seek help because of the stigma with her career. She struggled with a lot of things - a marriage to an ambition-less but steady working alcoholic, a career she sold herself short on as she was incredibly smart, and a life she thought would turn out quite different. I forgave her after she was gone. I realized she did the best she could with what she had (a broken mental state) and that I can look at it for what it was. There was abuse - that's another story. There was rage - another day maybe. There were mental breaks - not today. There were crazy fights with my father - not now. But there were also times when we bonded deeply and I try to remember those now, even though sometimes it seems all I can recall is the bad. So try to look for some good in her and make a point to remember those times too.

    I have had a very similar experience with my father, who also is an undiagnosed bipolar. (His sister has been diagnosed and hospitalized for it). I am so sorry for your loss.
  • aNewYear123
    aNewYear123 Posts: 279 Member
    There are a few things to remember when dealing with your mother. And I am saying this from someone with a similar mother to yours. We are pretty much the same age so I will assume our mothers are relatively close.

    A - She grew up in a time when women we to be seen and not heard. They were there as a decoration for their husband and looks mattered.

    B - She got the same thing from her mother, as she told you in the story of fatty, fatty. Her mother probably got it from her mother, so on and so on.

    C - There is not much you can do to change her opinion at this point.

    D - She has probably been a victim of more fad diets than you will ever know.

    Your mother still loves you and is trying, very unsuccessfully, to show you she cares about your weight. While her comments are hurtful, it is unlikely she means them that way.

    ^^ She put this very well.

    As for comments about others (and about yourself when you can) every time you hear her say something negative, counter it with something positive about that person. When you praise someone she just criticized it may make her pause. It could either make her realize to look for other points about someone, or just realize that you aren't any fun to gossip with since you won't join in the criticism, either way hopefully the comments will become fewer.
  • Oh my goodness, I am overwhelmed at the support. I went to grab lunch and came back to a dozen responses already. Thank you!!

    I should have stated in my original post that my mother is, for all intents and purposes, a good mother. I promise you guys, she really is. I just got emotional writing the post and focused on my feelings and failed to state all the facts. She raised me by herself from age 6. I saw the struggles and sacrifices she made for me, and I know that she loves me very much. BUT, as some of you have stated, she obviously has pent up feelings about HER unresolved issues that have nothing to do with me. And I know I can't fix that for her. Whoever said this is attributed to how women were viewed a few decades ago is probably spot on. I was 6 when my parents divorced and she never remarried. Many years later she told me it was basically because she was overweight and had lost her looks (she hasn't) and then later because she has to wear an oxygen mask to bed for sleep apnea. She thought no man would want her because she wasn't as fresh as a baby chicken. My heart hurt for her, knowing she views herself in such a negative light, but still, she was incredibly wrong to make me think I was undesireable due to some extra weight. So I definitely agree with the assessment that she hates herself but projects it onto me, even if not on purpose.

    Someone else mentioned boundaries. None. She has none, unless you put them there. This became obvious after I got married. The first time we all saw each other after the wedding, she walked in on my husband while he was in his underwear because she didn't think knocking on a closed bedroom door was necessary. :angry: We laugh about it now, but we were pretty pissed for a while. We set some boundaries and it took a while, but she did eventually start to respect them. But these are marital boundaries. The real problem is she doesn't want to respect boundaries when it comes to me personally.

    Good suggestion about setting limits ahead of time and not waiting until she makes a snide comment. I can definitely be ready to pack my bags (or hers) if she starts in on me. I know full well she will pout and act mortally offended but I feel certain that once has a chance to think it over, she will realize she was out of line.

    Ok, so here's a plan of action of sorts. I am taking her out of town to a dcotor specialist she sees annually in about one month (she's very hard of hearing and needs somebody there to listen to the doc). I'm going to establish my expectations before I even leave my house. I'm going to tell her that I am working hard to accomplish some goals (weight), but that I won't be sharing those goals with her. I will also tell her that discussions regarding my appearance are strictly off limits and that if she cannot respect my wishes I will simply collect my bags and leave once we return from the doctor. If working with my weight loss coach is successful and I've already lost some weight by this time next month, I know she will notice and say something (and probably it will be nice). But I'm not going to tell her what I've been doing, and in fact I may just brush it off and say I haven't really lost anything. That will confuse her as to why I look thinner but profess not to be. :laugh:
  • rondaj05
    rondaj05 Posts: 497 Member
    I haven't spoken to my parents since my son was almost 4 and my daughter was almost 1. They are now 18 and 15.

    In my case my dad was the problem, he's a high functioning alcohol with distinct different personalities. Sometimes he's obnoxious and can even be quite hilarious. Other times he's incredibly cruel and abusive.

    I had no choice in the type of atmosphere I was raised in but I DID have a choice in what atmosphere MY kids were raised in. I really didn't talk about my childhood when my kids were younger but now that they're older they ask questions and of course are curious why they don't see their grandparents... I have no problem telling them why at the ages they are now.

    Said all this to say, it's an incredibly personal decision, nobody can make it for you. Toxic relationships are so destructive and it takes years to recover from verbal abuse and that IS what your mother is doing to you. It will be up to you to decide how to handle it.

    Good Luck!! :flowerforyou:
  • CaitlinW19
    CaitlinW19 Posts: 431 Member
    Sounds like a great plan. I would suggest that you encourage the positive comments though and not brush them off or pretend the accomplishments don't exsist. Just a thought. It's really only the negatives you are trying to get rid of, so I don't see a reason why you wouldn't want to graciously accept any compliments she wants to throw your way. I can't know much about how your relationship works, so you are entitled to disagree with me completely on this point.
  • LRoslin
    LRoslin Posts: 128
    parents only say things like this because she only wants the best for you. it's a different type of best in the way its communicated. sounds like yours and a few others arent sure how to communicate properly.

    Bullchips. Parents who say mean and critical things often do it for the same reason that non relatives say mean things--to make them feel better about themselves. There is a huge difference between a little blunt talk from a well-meaning parent and the type of comments the OP relayed in her post.

    Agreed. It took me many years to realize that my mom was a bully. She bullied her younger sister, and then when she had me, she transferred that bullying behavior into our relationship. Parents who say hurtful things are bullies, plain and simple. There is a way to offer constructive criticism without saying "Gee, your butt looks huge!"
  • Lunira
    Lunira Posts: 33
    Don't have her over at your house, only visit her in her house, in other people's houses, or in public places.

    When she mouths off, ask her to stop, and if she does not, get up and leave. It doesn't matter what else is going on, who else is there, or what you two were doing. Simply get in your car, leave, and do not contact her or return her calls for at least a month.

    When you next speak, If she asks why, tell her that you have made a choice to not be around people who verbally abuse you, and that putting you down for your weight and appearance is indeed abusive.

    If she objects that she doesn't verbally abuse you, attempts to justify her behavior, or mouths off about your weight or appearance again, get up and leave again, going No Contact for at least a month, possibly longer if you've already done this a couple times and she hasn't gotten the message.

    She'll likely get the point within a year. If she doesn't, go No Contact for good. It's unfortunate, but some people don't understand, "No." or "Don't." or "That hurts." They understand pain, fear, loss, and nothing else. It's a shame, but there's really no way to get through to that kind of person unless you are willing to speak their language.
  • Colleen_in_LV
    Colleen_in_LV Posts: 28 Member
    OK here is a flip side to this question and one which I would love some opinions and advice. I have been big (5'10" since I was a freshman in high school) and always heavier than all my friends and my little sister. My mother didn't say much to me growing up about my weight, if I was pretty or not. At 47 I am 100 lbs over weight. Now I have a 9 year old daughter who is following in my footsteps and she has my exact body when I was younger. I don't know if I should say anything to her, or if I should just keep quiet like my parents did. I often have wondered if my mother would have said something to me I might have done something about it then?? But I don't want to be the critical mom either? Any advice/opinions on this?
  • seltzermint555
    seltzermint555 Posts: 10,740 Member


    Someone else mentioned boundaries. None. She has none, unless you put them there. This became obvious after I got married. The first time we all saw each other after the wedding, she walked in on my husband while he was in his underwear because she didn't think knocking on a closed bedroom door was necessary. :angry: We laugh about it now, but we were pretty pissed for a while. We set some boundaries and it took a while, but she did eventually start to respect them. But these are marital boundaries. The real problem is she doesn't want to respect boundaries when it comes to me personally.


    I understand! It has taken me YEARS to get any kind of boundaries in place with my mom and she still oversteps them sometimes. Last night for example, my husband and I went over to her place and took her dinner we'd made because she is recovering from knee replacement surgery. We were all sitting around eating and when we had finished, I absentmindedly picked up a small piece of mushroom from my plate with my finger and ate it (off my finger). My mom flew into action saying, "Don't eat with your HANDS girly whirly!!!!" LIKE I WAS FOUR YEARS OLD. I'm 37 years old. To subtly "show her" my husband (he's adorable) said, "Yeah don't do that, do this" and licked his plate by holding it up to his face. She thought that was cute. Because it was a big strong man doing it! GAG

    I also wanted to add that I get it...your mom's not truly abusive (IMO) or a bad mom just because of this stuff. Neither's mine. After I posted here originally, I remembered a couple of comments my mom did make when I was growing up that were somewhat hurtful and in reference to my weight. I wasn't allowed to wear horizontal stripes until around age 11 when I started to choose my own clothing because she thought it "wasn't flattering" and once, I was begging for a double French braid and she took me to Fantastic Sam's (hair salon) to have it done, but the minute we got home she made me take it out because it made my face look fat and round. She is so weird.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    Oh my goodness, I am overwhelmed at the support. I went to grab lunch and came back to a dozen responses already. Thank you!!

    I should have stated in my original post that my mother is, for all intents and purposes, a good mother. I promise you guys, she really is. I just got emotional writing the post and focused on my feelings and failed to state all the facts. She raised me by herself from age 6. I saw the struggles and sacrifices she made for me, and I know that she loves me very much. BUT, as some of you have stated, she obviously has pent up feelings about HER unresolved issues that have nothing to do with me. And I know I can't fix that for her. Whoever said this is attributed to how women were viewed a few decades ago is probably spot on. I was 6 when my parents divorced and she never remarried. Many years later she told me it was basically because she was overweight and had lost her looks (she hasn't) and then later because she has to wear an oxygen mask to bed for sleep apnea. She thought no man would want her because she wasn't as fresh as a baby chicken. My heart hurt for her, knowing she views herself in such a negative light, but still, she was incredibly wrong to make me think I was undesireable due to some extra weight. So I definitely agree with the assessment that she hates herself but projects it onto me, even if not on purpose.

    Someone else mentioned boundaries. None. She has none, unless you put them there. This became obvious after I got married. The first time we all saw each other after the wedding, she walked in on my husband while he was in his underwear because she didn't think knocking on a closed bedroom door was necessary. :angry: We laugh about it now, but we were pretty pissed for a while. We set some boundaries and it took a while, but she did eventually start to respect them. But these are marital boundaries. The real problem is she doesn't want to respect boundaries when it comes to me personally.

    Good suggestion about setting limits ahead of time and not waiting until she makes a snide comment. I can definitely be ready to pack my bags (or hers) if she starts in on me. I know full well she will pout and act mortally offended but I feel certain that once has a chance to think it over, she will realize she was out of line.

    Ok, so here's a plan of action of sorts. I am taking her out of town to a dcotor specialist she sees annually in about one month (she's very hard of hearing and needs somebody there to listen to the doc). I'm going to establish my expectations before I even leave my house. I'm going to tell her that I am working hard to accomplish some goals (weight), but that I won't be sharing those goals with her. I will also tell her that discussions regarding my appearance are strictly off limits and that if she cannot respect my wishes I will simply collect my bags and leave once we return from the doctor. If working with my weight loss coach is successful and I've already lost some weight by this time next month, I know she will notice and say something (and probably it will be nice). But I'm not going to tell her what I've been doing, and in fact I may just brush it off and say I haven't really lost anything. That will confuse her as to why I look thinner but profess not to be. :laugh:



    A plan of action is always good BUT - re-read your plan of action. It's still all wrapped up in your mother this, your mother that, what she'll notice, what she won't. What you're going to tell her, what your not. Honestly just lose the weight FOR YOU. Stop obsessing about how your Mom is going to react. This is your life! You may want to consider counseling to deal with these deep routed mother issues.
  • lyzmorrison
    lyzmorrison Posts: 172 Member
    You don't get your worth from your mother. She does not determine your value.
  • xmysterix
    xmysterix Posts: 114 Member
    As much sympathy as I have for you, OP, you seem to be pretty self-aware and strong. I feel a LOT of pity for your mom, though. It sounds like no one (in authority, at least) has ever made her feel valued for anything other than her appearance, and as that's faded/fading she's trying to live vicariously through you and her unrealistic demands on your body. :( She needs help...but as that's unlikely, I recommend you see a therapist to make sure you don't suffer too much from her issues.
  • kellyskitties
    kellyskitties Posts: 475 Member
    OK here is a flip side to this question and one which I would love some opinions and advice. I have been big (5'10" since I was a freshman in high school) and always heavier than all my friends and my little sister. My mother didn't say much to me growing up about my weight, if I was pretty or not. At 47 I am 100 lbs over weight. Now I have a 9 year old daughter who is following in my footsteps and she has my exact body when I was younger. I don't know if I should say anything to her, or if I should just keep quiet like my parents did. I often have wondered if my mother would have said something to me I might have done something about it then?? But I don't want to be the critical mom either? Any advice/opinions on this?

    Lead by example - and encourage her to participate because things are fun/tasty/interesting.

    I would be careful not to reference her body parts/size/shape.

    Slowly decrease the poor food choices (chips, candy, soda) around the house and increase better choices (apples, baby carrots, sparkling flavored water). I would not calorie count on a kid that age unless medically necessary - it makes it a thing and you don't want her to feel like it's a thing.

    Involve her in the healthy cooking/exercise. Let her pick foods at the grocery store - like tell her to pick a fruit she's never tried or a veggie. Have her help chop and cook (whatever she's safe to do of course). Let her pick an activity to do with you - exercise isn't necessarily about the gym and strident counting of steps/reps.

    Turn off the TV/other digital babysitters when it's not a favorite show for one of you.

    Change is weird and hard - she may resist. Just keep changing you and encouraging her to participate. She will come around and want to in time. She's gotten on 9 on the current plan, she might not be all set to give up all that just yet :)
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    I am sure many will be able to relate! You are very level headed, in spite of her terrible attitude and words!
    I think you should continue to find ways to honor her as your mother, but I also think you likely will never be able to trust her with a deeper connection with you...her focus and view of life is too unhealthy and damaging. I hope that she will change, as I am sure you hope. But don't allow her to cut you down. Your mind and emotions belong to you and your husband, not to her! People outside your marriage, no matter WHO they are, should only make you glad to see them coming. Period.
  • MinMin97
    MinMin97 Posts: 2,674 Member
    OK here is a flip side to this question and one which I would love some opinions and advice. I have been big (5'10" since I was a freshman in high school) and always heavier than all my friends and my little sister. My mother didn't say much to me growing up about my weight, if I was pretty or not. At 47 I am 100 lbs over weight. Now I have a 9 year old daughter who is following in my footsteps and she has my exact body when I was younger. I don't know if I should say anything to her, or if I should just keep quiet like my parents did. I often have wondered if my mother would have said something to me I might have done something about it then?? But I don't want to be the critical mom either? Any advice/opinions on this?
    Good question, you should start a thread.
  • teelynn35
    teelynn35 Posts: 239 Member
    I haven't spoken to my mother in over a year. Not sure if I ever will. That's extreme I know, but I am sure happier without her negativity
  • cebreisch
    cebreisch Posts: 1,340 Member
    Yes, my mother is HYPER critical too. She has been digging on me about my weighnt since puberty. I have PCOS, and started gaining weight around maybe 6th-7th grade, and I'm now 47. She has gotten better these last two years by some miracle, I don't know how....could be that I'm working on it. I dunno.

    She told me that nice boys don't like fat girls. Took me to an OB/GYN when I was 17 who teased me while my feet were in the stirrups that he'd only seen stretch marks like the ones I had on pregnant women - the only reason he said something was because my mother asked him to. She even bothered a recent doctor of mine, "what about her weight" - he said, "She has PCOS. She's going to be battling it all her life." STILL she didn't back off.

    No matter what I did, she never backed off. No matter what I said, she never backed off. I'd tell her how hurtful the comments were, and that what she was doing was more detrimental than helpful - didn't matter. Told her all her good intentions were appreciated, but it didn't mean a thing because if I wanted to lose weight, it was MY decision, not hers, and I'd have to be the one doing the work, not her. She kept saying she didn't think I realized just how fat I really was. AS IF....I know what size my clothes are. I see myself in the mirror every day. DUUUHH!!!!

    Truthfully, the only thing you can do for your own sanity is limit your exposure to her. She is a negative influence, and that's not what you need in your life right now. I'm not saying stay away forever, but just limit your exposure to a known negative influence. When she starts talking trash, get up and leave the room. If she follows, let her know that you're not going to let her talk to you like that anymore. If she continues, actually gather your stuff and leave.

    I live 2 hours from my parents. Sometimes it's WAY too far, and other times, it's WAYYY too close. I've done that before....said, "Look, knock it off or we're leaving." They accused me of being childish..."Now that's an adult reaction." LOL As if what they were subjecting me too was adult behavior!!! When they realized I was serious, they would finally shut up about it.

    Meanwhile, it would help for you to see a therapist to get a lot of this stuff off your chest. I've been seeing one since I started this journey, and it's really helped. Particularly since he's had gastric bypass, and been through the journey himself. She keeps saying she doens't know what he's doing for me but it helps. Yes, it helps me to have a sane person to talk to about my weight!! LOL

    Anyway - wish there was something I could do to help! I feel for ya!!!
  • susanrechter
    susanrechter Posts: 386 Member
    Some of the replies are so profound and on point. Amazing advice from people who have been in your shoes, OP.
    Good luck with your decision. Remember you're not alone and take good care of yourself.
  • kits1976
    kits1976 Posts: 2 Member
    My mom was also super critical of my weight. I am 6ft tall and 6ft wide. My mum was tiny and petite. I could stand with my arm stretched out and she would fit under it.
    She was always obsessed with being thin.

    I would not even attempt dieting because I did not want to hear any more of her comments about my weight, even if they were nice

    That being said, that was only one small part about my mom. I would dread going to visit because I knew there would be comments about my weight and how I look but at the end of each visit, I always felt a bit better for spending time with her because she was actually a really lovely lady. Beautiful, clever, funny and vivacious

    I think moms are critical of their daughters because they want the best for them. Just think about when you were little playing with dolls. You always wanted to dress them up and do their hair and make them beautiful. I have such fights with my daughter sometimes when she wants to wear the most hideous combinations of clothes - and she is only 6!

    It is best to try not to dwell on the one negative aspect of your relationship and rather dwell on the good things. Treasure each moment with her
    My mom lost a very long and difficult battle with cancer 2 years ago and it is only since she died that I have been able to lose weight but I would rather weigh double what I do now and have her back and healthy.
  • FindingAmy77
    FindingAmy77 Posts: 1,268 Member
    oh my I feel so bad for you. my mother, who was adopted and overweight her entire life, went through this same treatment from my grandmother. I think they mean well and may be projecting their own insecurities and the fact that they don't want you to be in the same predicament they think they are in but its still not right. You are a beautiful and confident woman. I think you are right in not telling anyone about your weight loss journey who does not support you. You need all the supportive advice and comments you can get right now. Just wait and let her take it in once you start showing off your new weight loss. I know that I have fought myself in these sort of comments. I have been my worst enemy my entire life especially in front of the mirror until now. I finally feel good about myself and have cut out anybody who wants to bring me down or make me feel bad about myself. Now I am not saying to cut out your mother but you got to limit these sort of interactions and put on your strong "smile and nod" face when you go around her. Its not you, its her. Be strong and know that you have tons of support here.