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Catlady1979
Senior Contributor

Breaking Point

Hi Everyone,

 

I'm not okay, I'm just not.

 

Today I went to visit a close family member and the visit went well until I made a minor and mindless mistake.

 

The family member in question asked me to put a small bag of rubbish which contained dog poop into a public bin not far from their place.

 

I haven't slept well in the past week, I haven't been thinking straight and I've been more forgetful than usual, and I genuinely forgot the rubbish request so I stupidly put this bag of rubbish in one of the neighbour's bins in the unit complex as I was leaving.

 

They got very angry and sent a whole bunch of texts that I didn't see until checked my phone just before I got off the train near home.

 

I lost my cool and responded in a way that I'm not proud of - I could've and should've done better.

 

During the course of the argument via text this family member said the following.

 

🔴 They told me that I wasn't worthy of life or worthy of having anyone to like me.

 

🟠 They threatened to give my residential address to their neighbour if they were to get angry about the rubbish.

 

🟡 They threatened to hit if I'm ever in their sights and stated that they didn't care about the assault.

 

🟢 They kept going on about my medication supposedly not working because I forgot this request - My medication doesn't cure my condition, it just takes the edge of things and makes life easier.

 

🔵 They said a whole bunch of other vile things.

 

🟣 They blocked me on their phone and email as soon as I called them out on the threats of violence and to give out my address to a stranger by telling them that it's not okay, that I don't accept this kind of behaviour in any relationship in my life.

 

I also mentioned that I would report them to the Police if they followed through on their threat to give out my address to their neighbour who is a stranger to me - Obviously it goes without saying that I would also report any violence to the Police should that ever take place.

 

Before they blocked me, I told them I'll be needing some space from them for a while and I've blocked them on my phone but not my email at this stage - I will block them on my email if it becomes necessary to do so.

 

On a more positive note, this could be an opportunity for me to reassess the dynamics of this relationship, start implementing healthier boundaries and hopefully breaking this unhealthy pattern of enmeshment in each other's lives that I've wanted to break for a very long time.

 

I'm not okay but I will be tomorrow 🌻

15 REPLIES 15

Re: Breaking Point

I'm really sorry that you went through this today @Catlady1979 but I'm really proud of the way you were able to stand up for yourself and let them know that this behaviour was not acceptable in any way. It sounds like reassessing this relationship might be a very good idea after these events

Re: Breaking Point

@Ru-bee 

 

I'll definitely be taking the much needed space from them and the relationship - Possibly between 2 to 12 weeks before I interact with them again unless they need more space and if they need more space, I'll respect that.

 

Moving forward they'll only be limited to sending and receiving emails as I'll be banning all phone calls and texts as I don't want to be so accessible or as available to them anymore.

 

I recognised a long time ago that this particular relationship dynamic is super unhealthy and it needs to change or it can't continue...

Re: Breaking Point

I have struggled keeping going with extended family relationships while feeling put down. It’s hard to know when and where to draw the line. @Catlady1979 At the moment I only have family who respect me.

 

There is a sense of strength in your post. Kudos to you. It is not easy, getting up from being knocked down and maintaining boundaries.

Re: Breaking Point

@Appleblossom.

It's hard when it's family ❤️‍🩹

Re: Breaking Point

Definitely @Catlady1979 

 one idea that helped me, was the Teflon non stick approach. Don’t let the b€€¥¥¥ds get you down. Don’t let untrue words into your selfhood.

 

 I still wish and hope and pray, but damaging oneself to stay in relationships is not healthy.

Re: Breaking Point

@Appleblossom

It's hard and I'll most likely visit the safe space in my local area tomorrow.

Once I start my course I should be fine as I'll have that to focus on.

Re: Breaking Point

Do what you need to do @Catlady1979 

 

Having purpose and direction really helps. Study can be great.

 

My cats are lively and pouncing at the moment. Ooops one just hid under my rug. 

Re: Breaking Point

@Appleblossom

My cat has always been a great source of love, friendship, joy and laughter - He is so beautiful 😻🐾

Re: Breaking Point

Yes @Catlady1979 💕

 

Purr purr purr

 

Miaow!