The Mechanics of Estrangement

[cathschaffstump]

It finally happened. I stopped interacting with my mother about a year and a half ago, and she's finally noticed it.

I hate the idea of not talking to my family. When you tell people you are estranged, they usually think in terms of your pettiness and lack of ability to forgive. I used to have an idea that if people communicated, all problems could be solved. But, of course, no. Finally, to get healthy, I've cut my ties. It's never been easy.

Twenty-five years ago I struck out, a brave young woman on my way to college and independence. Distance from my family helped me understand how dysfunctional we were. I rolled up my sleeves, and in the tradition of all Type A people, I figured I could change things.

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Mirrored from Writer Tamago.