I really believe my mother has a persecution complex.
The story
All of this started when I (M23) got off from work midday. I was originally resting and called a friend to see if he's doing okay at the training camps in South Carolina. After that, I was called over by my mother (F45) downstairs to help her get of old stuff in her office. To make things clear, we just moved into a townhouse after living from an Airbnb vacation home (last month) after selling our house (December, last year). The reason why was because of a divorce between her and my so-called father, but that's something I want to keep private.
Back to the story, I was helping her take care of stuff she want to give to the thrift store. While I was finishing up putting paper into the big trashbag, Mom requested me to lay down the cardboards (which was the moving boxes), since we're going donate her old stuff out and come back. When I did just that, she started getting upset - demanding that I should take it and the others to the garage. Mind you, she didn't say anything about taking it out at first, making things both confusing and annoying. This wasn't the first time she gave out vague instructions and then yell when I misunderstood her or asking for reassurance. We arrived at the thrift store, and gave away the old stuff to the clerk. Inside the SUV, Mom was complaining about me "not listening" and that I need to be more responsible. Well said the damn fool who made a illegal U-Turn (on a non-turning lane) to get back to the road! When I called her out on it, she brushed it off as a mild inconvenience. That's one strike.
Mom remembered that she need groceries for the house. Before doing that, she need to move the SUV to the disabled parking - so we can use the car to go the supermarket. Reminder, we just moved in a townhouse and for more context, our garage is a little packed to have two vehicles inside which we got to have a routine that one has to be in the garage while the other goes to the parking lot. Once we got to the parking lot, she told me to get the car out of the disabled to a different direction to a long road (right - leading to a kids' playground). Back then, I didn't think it was possible because I parked far from another car close to ours. So I backed the car to the left. There was another car in the way, but I was careful not to hit it and driver. By the time Mom parked the SUV and got in the car, she was irritated by decision - not even letting me explain why. That's two strikes.
Here comes the third one which made reconsider our relationship as mother and son. While I was driving to the supermarket, Mom wanted me to go to a far right lane to get there. I responded that we're on the left turning lane which is another way to reach there as well. (Another thing to add, I don't like talking while on the wheel because it breaks my focus on where to go.) She continued to rant that I should listen to her and turn. When doing just that, a car was already in the way of the lane I need to turn to. To make things worse, I accidently ran over some infrastructure along the way - leading her to believe I was being reckless, accusing me of doing the same thing on my way to work. I was offended, as I was always careful when going to work. I literally had no issue driving alone, it's the fact that SOMEONE thought it was okay to continue bashing on other peoples' mistakes - making me stressed already with the previous incidents.
Once I parked, I had enough and screamed that her hissy fits, vague favors and accusatory behavior has got to stop. The more she does this, it lowers my self-esteem and can't get things right without her on my case. For the most stupidest shit that no middle-aged adult should ever get upset. Before leaving and finished shopping, she ends things off with that she doesn't care, stating she's the main provider and that I have no right to talk to her; due to her being my mother. Well I'm your damn son wanting my boundaries to be respected which you ignore - unless when it's about Dad or something else bothers me. SHIT!
To end things off, she isn't bad overall. I know she has her pros while at her best. It's her worst which not taking care of hypocrisy and being dramatic when trying to understand her ridiculousness. Forgive me for the long rant. I was a little hesitant to share this, but I have to, since I can't keep hiding this forever. Tell me what you guys think.
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Points of view
Man, that sounds super frustrating! It can be tough when communication gets all tangled up like that. I get how parents can sometimes expect us to read their minds—been there, done that 😅. It's important to have boundaries and feel respected in any relationship; Maybe having a calm convo with her when you're both less stressed could help clear the air? I've had to do that with my mom once, and surprisingly it helped 🫣 good vibes to you!
it's clear things are all kinds of messy right now, but hey, that's life sometimes, huh??? communication can be a pain, especially when folks ain't on the same page!! it's impressive you're aware enough to know her good sides too. maybe next time try laying it all out calmly like you’ve been meaning business. might not change overnight but who knows what could happen?? chin up and keep pushing through!!!
Sounds like you and your mom have been through a lot lately. Moving, divorce, and all that jazz can really crank up the stress levels; I wonder if maybe she's just overwhelmed with everything too? It might help to focus on one issue at a time when talking to her. That's what worked for me when my family was going through a rough patch—I kept things simple & direct rather than dumping everything at once; hope things smooth out for you soon!