I’ve coped thus far (: (: (: I am 45 (I think), mom of one brilliant teen and 2 collies. We’ve lived in an apt in our neighborhood for about 3 years. I haven’t made ANY friends since moving here (which I attribute to our so-far success in a new place). Of course my daughter makes wonderful friends whom I appreciate. Anyway lately I’ve noticed that when a „wild hair” goes around our neighborhood the chattering ladies start to pick me out. We have a lot of dogs in our lovely neighborhood and most people including us are very responsible dog owners. I know they are projecting at me, but with my anxiety and tantrum abilities, it’s surely difficult to navigate at times. I guess this is more of a rant than a question. At my age and level of experience I know there is little I can or should do in regards to people’s (maybe not vicious, but unhelpful all the same) slander and gossip. Mostly I have a fear … that is, what if the local „do-gooder „ types decide to launch a campaign against me for poop I didn’t leave there? I’m calmed down now, but unfortunately I see so much more than others see, and it can be exhausting.
Oh but I did have a question through this. Both my and my husband’s mothers have scapegoated me in the past, and one of them in regards to lots of various things (I apparently don’t live up to expectations)but also our dogs.1st one then (with better reason) the other. These moms are aging, extraordinarily neurotypical, never been helpful in this regard, and also do the talking to everyone about everyone in the most unhelpful of ways, etc. My big question is how do I support THEM as they age? Should I even try? I have a hard time supporting myself and they both have other kids who play ball more appropriately to each of them … etc … sigh … thank you.
08 May 2025, 2:28 pm
