When I was a child, I heard the message that I was on this earth to suit the needs of my mother. The burden was subtle, for a narcissist is not a fool, but a cunning and crafty manipulator who… Read More ›
Verbal Abuse
Hope is Denial
As I was growing up in a home where I was physically, emotionally, and sexually abused, where the adults were addicted to substances such as alcohol or drugs, where chaos thrived, I lived in denial. Even when I knew in… Read More ›
An Emancipation of Spirit
I was the only girl among boys. I had one biological brother who was older than I. He and I shared the same mother and father. My other two brothers were younger and each a result of my mother or… Read More ›
Wearing the Pain
Coping with the emotional extreme of hatred and fear distorted my perception of truth, reality, and compassion. I learned to deny instead of take responsibility for my actions. I learned to minimize situations when they concerned other people’s feelings. I… Read More ›
Secrets and Lies
In my family, there is an unspoken rule that if the truth is not good enough, then lying is the best option. Of course, this made life more confusing and often led to embarrassment. I don’t really know when… Read More ›
Misery Is Optional
I have learned now that while those who speak about one’s miseries usually hurt, those who keep silence hurt more. … Read More ›
A Case of Apathy
Even extreme grief may ultimately vent itself in violence–but more generally takes the form of apathy. … Read More ›
