Anonymous wrote:
1.) Set boundaries and enforce them calmly. Expect her to stomp on them, but don't give in.
2.) Never give an emotional reaction-stay calm.
3.) Keep in touch by email and text so you have written proof of tirades. Only meet in public places with witnesses or now you can use the Covid excuse not to meet or to keep it outside from a distance in PUBLIC.
4.) Give up caring what other people think. In an effort to feel powerful they will badmouth you to others and shame you. it only matters if it matters...let of letting it matter.
5.) Always have an exit plan if you dare talk by phone or see the person in private or even in public.
6.) Know you are not alone. Many of us have a parent with a personality disorder and have dealt with abuse.
#4 was really difficult for me. In my case it is my MIL with whom my husband has gone no contact. And I am the one she blames. I know how horrible she was, and years of CBT help with healing the damage and developing better boundaries etc. But it still hurts to hear her lies repeated by other family members. I get tired of the “but you’re so nice, not what we expected” comments. I have a canned response that MIL’s grip on reality isn’t the best and then I move on.
So work with a therapist, consider SSRIs if you are depressed. Make friends with people with healthy boundaries. And develop your go to scripts with your therapists help.