Some thoughts

I'm wondering, why people have such a problem accepting criticism. When they criticise me- then I have to take it. And I do it. I'm used to it my wholelife since childhood. After many years I started forming my own opinions. My mom thinks that we perfectly agree on everything,  because I never opposed. I didn't do it, not because I agree with her 100%. It's because fir long time I used to take her opinion as my own, I wasn't aware of my ability to form my own opinion. So now, after long analyses I started giving criticism (constructive,  polite) but honest. And it turns out, that people can't take it. Why it's always me, who has to take it? But others can't? I'm kinda good trained in getting criticism. Others don't know how to do it. If they were in my skin... they would get crazy after so much criticism what I got from them. 

So I told my mom, that discussions with her are hard, because she interrupts,  changes topics constantly,  gives arguments that have nothing to do with the problem and questions my every experience that I tried to share with her. So I told her I have no power to talk to her about my problems. In her opinion being a loner and weirdo without friends is NOT a problem. So I gave her few examples of disadvantages- something "dissappear" from tge shelf in the store. The manager suspects that it was ME. Why? Because I'm the loner and weirdo, I don't hang out with people. Now this case has been resolved,  but I got a lot of stress and anxiety around it. Another example- who has friends,  is popular,  has much higher chances of finding a better job. I saw once stats, I don't remember exactly the figure it was around 50% of employers prefer someone who they know/ through friends. Without such advantages even a gifted person often ends up as a cashier. Another example- Mobbing at work. Who is a loner, is much more likely to experience this and have no support. So in few words - there is a big difference in the quality of life if you have good social skills and appear attractive. Another example- I was suspected of taking drugs in previous company (I don't take any, but I somehow look like i do). 

So all this are not problems for my mom. And she is unable to take any criticism. It took me so many years to develop this ability, to form my own opinion, articulate it. And people get offended and don't like it. I'm sorry. I'm somehow frustrated. Or I'm myself not sure, what I'm feeling. I don't like double standards,  but people around have them constantly. Inconsistency is their second name.

Parents
  • I’m really happy for you that you are now finding your own voice and able to express your own opinions - that’s to be celebrated for sure. I was just wondering: is your Mum autistic? That might explain a possible explanation for her struggle to think flexibly and her sensitivity/reactivity to what she might perceive as criticism? Or does she possibly have some narcissistic traits? That could also explain her ‘strong belief that she’s right all the time’?
    All the points you make about the detrimental impact of being socially isolated have lots of valid and rigorous research to back them up - so your views about that issue are entirely justified. 

    A lot of people really do struggle to actually listen to other people - properly LISTEN. Sounds like your mum might be one of those people. True listening and being there 100% for what someone is genuinely trying to communicate to you is a wonderful skill that many people don’t have. I know it must be incredibly frustrating for you to have your mum be like this - but she obviously lacks certain qualities/skills and this might be connected to her own upbringing and life experiences. Try not to let it get to you if you can - view it as a ‘weakness’ in her - and try to politely and calmly explain to her that you are an intelligent adult with your own views and opinions and it’s your right to express those (as long as you’re not belligerent about them or arguing aggressively). Some parents struggle to make the adjustment to genuinely viewing their adult children as genuinely independent adult people. My parents were like this with me - they never viewed me as an equal, and they would often put me down and belittle my contribution. They’re both dead now. I wish I’d learnt and accepted earlier that they weren’t really capable of being better parents. I’m gradually coming to a level of acceptance that - very flawed as their parenting was - they were to some degree doing ‘their best’. 
    I do empathise though - it’s hard isnt it? It’s so frustrating and also hurtful too. Try not to internalise your mother’s flawed thinking and her deficits of character. Just ‘be you’ - and know that you are enough, and you do not need her approval. 

  • Thank you. I don't think my mom is autistic... maybe some traits. I have no idea. I think there is some narcissism,  some trauma etc. She lies and gaslights a lot. Out of fear or to prove that she is right. Yes, she always believes she is right.

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