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Who cares?

I don't think my mum likes me at all. She definitely doesn't love me and has told me so lots of times. Whenever we argue she tells me she wants me to move out (this is in the holidays, since I live at uni now, but she's been telling me that since I was approximately 14). I was a difficult young teenager. I got good marks at school, I never went out drinking, or got into any trouble outside the house and so on, but I was difficult nonetheless because I used to argue back to my parents. My mum and I have similar tempers in that we don't like being told we're wrong, and so stupid arguments over nothing would blow up into huge great rows. Sometimes I'd swear at my mum, and she's always swear at me. It got to a point where it was almost always ending in me swearing and her slapping me across the face - until I got strong enough to grab her arm and tell her not to dare. 

She always made personal comments about me too - when I had friend issues, she'd say no one loved me, and she'd tell me I was fat and ugly all the time - until I lost weight and got prettier and then she'd tell me that if I kept eating like that (a couple of potatoes at dinner?!) I'd get as fat as I'd been before.

The thing is, I've never made personal comments. I used to scream and swear and generally be horrible, yes, but I never made personal comments, and my mum does it all the time. I always apologise, but my mum never does. She apologised the first time she hit me, and the first time she said I should leave and no one loved me but she's refused to apologise ever, since those times.

I want a better relationship with my mum, but I don't know if the line was crossed a long time ago. The thing is, I can accept I was a horrible little brat as a kid... I don't know what came first - me being a brat, or my mum being awful to me, but there was definitely a time when I could understand her behaviour. I feel like I'm way less obnoxious now, but I don't think my mum can see that I've changed. Furthermore, there's a rebellious little voice deep inside me that says that actually, I was never bad enough to warrant the sort of things I put up with. I went through a lot when I was about sixteen, including a bout of depression and self-harm. My mum knows about all of it,  and she's used all of it against me in arguments, to try and make me cry so that she "wins". I think, looking back, that my lack of self-esteem that led to those events was at least partially caused by the insults and personal comments that my mum made. Again, she doesn't really seem to care about that.

Now we have a tense, sort of truce (until another argument pops up), but I would like to be closer to my mum. I just really don't think she loves me or even likes me at all... I don't know what to do to try and facilitate any sort of pleasant relationship at all, with such hard feelings on my side, and such complete self-belief on my mum's side.
I don't know.

Any help would be appreciated.

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Added: 19 November 2009 10:44
Jill says:
I've just read your story and am so sorry that you have had to endure such a terrible time of rejection throughout your childhood and since. I did too. My story is similar in that I have no memory of affirmation or love, just constant criticism and condemnation and like you I tried so hard to be good and did well at school. The marvellous thing is that you have chosen not to repeat the cycle! You have learned from her mistakes. You are kind but your mother isn't. You're thoughtful, your mother isn't. You're able to accept blame, forgive and work things out. Your mother isn't. The sad truth is that what you are looking for (and what I was looking for) a mother's love, is what you're never going to receive. So do as Adam suggests and as I did. Move away, keep a distance between you and your mother for the sake of your own sanity and spirit. She is messed up and sounds as if she has a personality disorder just as my mother has. You are never going to be able to change that. You may be able to understand and forgive her but she is incapable of doing the same for you so don't allow yourself to be continually hurt her. I'm Christian so I'm going to pray for you. Know the truth, that Jesus died to set you free of this lot, that He loves you, that you are a Princess, the daughter of The King and that He loves you. Believe it. You are His beautiful child, His precious daughter. I have never come on this site before but he has guided me to you so that you can hear His love for you. He has wept for you and your mother. He loves you both. God bless you. jill
Added: 19 November 2009 09:50
ANDY says:
Rebuilding a relationship isnt easy but neutral ground must be established with a close friend or relative then talk and listen to each other. It will be hard for the mother as she WILL stay her ground but a thread of hope can be found believe me.
Added: 19 November 2009 07:55
Pumpkin says:
I too brought up my daughter & her brother on my own. She was very rebellious & I stood all manner of things from her, although I always loved them (perhaps never told them enough as you didnt in those days) - no mother sits an exam on parenthood, especially a lone parent, & you can only do your best in the circumstances. I am sure your mother loves you but she is feeling hurt & sometimes people say all sorts of silly things to try to hurt back in return. Try to understand her point of view, also tell her how much you appreciate her & what she has done for you & how you get upset by her comments. You may find you can both heal your wounds & be best friends. Sometimes careless words are just said in the heat of the mo but really not meant!
Added: 11 November 2009 23:32
Adam says:
This is a sad case. Parents should be there for their children for support. Unfortunately, your mum seems to have some sort of under lying problem somewhere. Do you know how your mum's parents treated your mum? Did your mum suffer any form of bullying herself when she was young? How does your dad feel all about this? Not only has your mum physically abused you but also mentally tortured you. When you were going through your depression and self harm, she never supported you and could have indeed made matters worse by bringing it up to hurt you even further during your rows. Your mum has failed you. You need a better environment to be stable in. Unfortunately, being with your mum denies you this. She said no one loved you, you were fat and ugly. What sort of parent in their right mind would say this to their own child? A despicable one. I would leave the past behind, leave her be, and start a fresh with your own life. You deserve better. You got good marks at school, never got into trouble and never went drinking. You did well as a teenager and yet, you mum still hated you for you trying to put your point across. And don't even dare think about blaming yourself for any of this. Considering the surroundings and environment you were brought up in, you've done very well for yourself. Put your chin up high, be proud of yourself and have nothing more to do with her.
(From someone who can relate to this.)
Added: 11 November 2009 16:02
audrey says:
it is very difficult for mothers and daughters to get on some times, but your mother seems to carry some issues herself. what you need to do is sit down with your mother and some other family member and dicuss both promblems between you. it is sad to see whats going on between you but im sure things will get better, when your mum comes to terms what shes doing to you. try and behave yourself and talk to your mum will some respect and she will hopefully give some respect back. dont worry life changes all the time, and you will be happy in the future.
Added: 11 November 2009 15:54
paula says:
communication is the key i believe but just sometimes it's just not enough, people just don't want to here where they have gone wrong in life and what they did wrong, i believe it's all about acceptance, as children we are taught what is right and wrong by our parents and our behaviour is a representation of how we are treated as a child, a doctor once told me that if you could have good commuication skills with your child from 8 years to 11 years old then teenage years are slightly easier ( my eldest is 8 next year ) but teenagers have it the hardest hormone levels are at there highest, and some parents not remembering what it was like adds to the misunderstandings that can accur, but at the end of the day its down to the parents to parent, it really saddens me that your relationship with your mum isn't what it should be, it sounds that your mum has a few issues with herself, and that your prepared to leave the past in the past,hopefully she can and you then could try to build a relationship together i believe thats the way forward, hope this helps alittle, good luck for the future and in all you do.
Added: 11 November 2009 14:25
Mij says:
Most mother/daughter relationships are edgy...I should know,(as a mother of two highly intelligent and gifted daughters, now over 50 years old),so stop worrying ! Cool it, wait for Mum to approach for contacts but always keep pleasant communication lines. Get on with your own life and friends so that you have interesting things to talk about...topics that will not incite either of you ! Live in your youthful present, and forget the past....after all we Mum's cannot help caring however hard we deny.
Added: 11 November 2009 13:43
Pam says:
Sorry you are having problems with your Mum. Plan to go out with her for a spot of lunch, then you can have a good talk and hopefully start to sort out your problems. less chance of a row in front of other people. I'm sure she loves you, if not you have tried. good luck
Added: 11 November 2009 10:34
Terry says:
I also was a bit of a git when a kid so I understand what you are saying. I think part of my mums problem is for most of the time except for about the first 18 months my mum brought me up on her own,I say this because I noticed you make no mention of your father. Sit her down with a glass of wine and talk and keep talking until you both understand what the problem is. Good luck.
Added: 11 November 2009 09:55
giuls says:
Hi. I agree that communication is the key but it will only work if both parties are prepares to sit down and speak civilly and openly.
Your relationship sounds very much like mine with my mother - a lot of coincidences in fact. If you would like to get in touch directly with me, I will be happy to listen in confidence.
As for being a "gobby teanager", isn't that what normal teanagers are supposed to be like a lot of the time? You're normal. Your mother sounds like she could have similar developmental issues to my mother. This was how the GP diagnosed her.
First thing is put the nasty degrading things your mother has said out of your head - easier said than done, I know - but try your hardest to convince yourself that there's nothing wrong with you and that you are a wonderful, loveable person. Of course you are - you're human, after all, and worth it.
At the end of the day, children mostly learn certain behaviours from their parents so your retaliating by swearing and screaming is only how you've learned to respond by learning from your mother's behaviour. But by realising this, you are on the first step to correcting this in yourself.
Good luck, and let me know if you want to contact me directly.
Lots of love, giuls

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