I agree that it's important to distance ourselves from toxic relationships, even if they are part of the family. I've had to do that with my brother. He is miserable in his marriage, blames himself for his wife's multiple affairs, had a "revenge" affair of his own, and encouraged me to do the same. His misery permeates everything in his life. We no longer talk. I don't call him and he doesn't call me.
Pretend normal for me has become a shield to ward off the unwanted opinions and advice of others. But in my most important relationships, my husband and children, my dearest friends, I refuse to pretend normal any more. Love me or leave me. That's my motto.
Toxic Relationships
I agree that it's important to distance ourselves from toxic relationships, even if they are part of the family. I've had to do that with my brother. He is miserable in his marriage, blames himself for his wife's multiple affairs, had a "revenge" affair of his own, and encouraged me to do the same. His misery permeates everything in his life. We no longer talk. I don't call him and he doesn't call me.
Pretend normal for me has become a shield to ward off the unwanted opinions and advice of others. But in my most important relationships, my husband and children, my dearest friends, I refuse to pretend normal any more. Love me or leave me. That's my motto.
Take care