My mother, who is 54 years old, often chats with a close friend from her college days using the messaging app WhatsApp.
They seem to get along well and are even making plans to meet in person. Meanwhile, my father, who is 73 years old, has been behaving poorly and his actions have caused me to develop a strong dislike for him. It’s almost like a form of revenge for his lack of parenting skills and his failure to be a supportive and caring father.
But amidst this situation, I can’t help but feel worried and anxious about the future of our family. The stability of our family structure feels uncertain, and it troubles me deeply.
As the only child from their marriage, I have always yearned for independence and dreamed of creating my own life separate from my parents. It’s a strong desire within me to distance myself from them and their troubled relationship.
While I feel more inclined to support my mother and sympathize with her desire to find happiness and love outside of her strained marriage, there is another part of me that holds some resentment towards her.
I blame her to some extent for the current state of affairs and fear that any disruption to our family’s stability may only amplify those negative feelings.
Navigating this situation is challenging. I lack the confidence to convince my mother to consider divorce, and I am unwilling to confront my father about his behavior for fear of triggering a destructive and explosive confrontation.
It leaves me torn, unsure of the best course of action to take in order to protect my own well-being and find a sense of peace amidst the chaos.
