7 Comments

It’s hard because our society puts pressure that we should be close to our family.

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We cannot select our parents and siblings. But it's up to us to decide what is too toxic to keep in our lives. I'm at a point where I select my new "family"- loving friends that support me. And I limit my contact with my family, while still vibrating at my level. But not my most authentic self, they don't earn that. I love them, and I'm compassionate with myself when the occasional wave of hurt hits me. For what they will never be. For me or my kids.

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Can this be related to lack of love (feeling rejected) by a parent also?

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The parentals. I think it definitely applies, was my first thought. I've mourned what that couldn't (and can't) be for me.

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i feel like i’ve been searching for understanding in what you’ve explained here for a long time and it’s offered me some relief. thank you for your emotionally articulate insight, as always.

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Your content has always been super helpful, though I wish I read this when I was still in one of my previous relationships and in the early days of the sudden breakup. It would have helped me calm down, rationalize, and move on in peace rather than acting out in anger.

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Thanks for sharing this, Todd.

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