NP here but the martyrdom stuff comes from assuming that OP means they want the daughter to text them first, right? It's fair to say "I texted my daughter happy easter and she never responded." That's rude. But but what this sounds like. If you're sitting around waiting for your daughter to text you happy easter because that somehow demonstrates appreciation for her childhood and respect for you and you can't possibly text her first (or even conceive of this as an option) that tells me you live in a zero-sum-game world that is bitter and silly. |
| If she doesn’t honor the religious holiday, it may come off as rude. Maybe try happy Passover |
| OP, just text her a cute little baby chick coming out of an egg emoji. She’ll like that. |
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1. You could text or call her. Phone works both ways.
2. Maybe she doesn’t celebrate/care about Easter. Not everyone does. 3. If you did all that for her as a child because you wanted payback from an adult than you did it for the wrong reasons. |
Well, I am American, but agree with the PP. Some of these responses seem kind, suggesting how OP might make the best of her situation. A different question is whether adult family members who are thoughtful reciprocate when someone they love wishes them a happy holiday. Where is the pathology (“neediness”) in that expectation? Seems like simple manners? Kindness? |
Because you were in the driver's seat when she was young and drove it to this point. |
What motivated you to make that call? |
This forum is in America sonifnyou expect a different set of cultural norms, find a forum in the country that shares your values. Problem solved. You're welcome. |
I haven’t called in a few weeks, calls usually happen on Sundays, and my mom almost never calls me herself. My mom is a lot like OP. Won’t reach out herself, but gets upset if others don’t. |
Hi Sweeite. Thinking of you on Easter . Do you have time for a call later in the day? I will be home anytime after 4. |
OP said she sent a card. She is not your mother. |
You sound kind and wise. I think the fact that you share OP’s stage of life gives you special insight. |
| Sorry, op. A big Happy Easter to you from a DCUM friend. Hope you do something fun today. Go for a walk. Listen to some music. Enjoy the spring air. Eat a hard boiled egg. |
So it's not just an American thing then. The pathology is when some parent with full ability to text and reach out and who is in the position of authority (as the mom) whines and complains about their child not reaching out to them, instead of just maturely sending a text. When they expect to be catered to and doted on instead of taking the mature position and initiating contact if that's what they desire, but silently resenting and stewing over it. Truly pathetic behavior. |
I think it's the narcissism... a lot of boomers seem to have missed the memo that they are the parent, and continuously put their children on higher standards than they themselves adhere to. So they see nothing wrong with petulantly sitting in silence all day, and then resenting their child for doing the same. It's why so many are going no contact with them |