Anonymous wrote:Sadly, two of my closest friends have mothers who never praised them or said anything positive, just belittled and criticized them. One of them was frequently hit by her mother when she was little. Both of these women are amazing — the kind of woman most people would be so proud to have raised. Neither one gave their parents any trouble while growing up. They were well behaved, conscientious, responsible. I consider myself very lucky to have them in my life. They’re smart, funny, thoughtful, kind. It hurts my heart that their mothers didn’t (and still don’t) make them feel cherished for the special people they are.
One of them threw a graduation party for her child. Her boss (they’re friends) approached her and said that the woman on the other side of the room must be her mother. My friend said yes, did someone introduce you? Her boss said, no, when I arrived she was loudly criticizing the balloons and I just knew it had to be her.
You’re not alone.
Oh, gosh. Yeah, when you see other people seeing them for who they are, it's liberating. Still sad, of course.
I'm glad to hear your friends turned out so well despite their difficult family life.
OP