Hi, Kathie. Firstly, thanks for following me :) I read through this article once and went back to read it again so that I don’t react emotionally. You see, it reads almost like you are writing about me and my family. LoL
Knowing that we are all human and naturally share similar issues with family members, it’s still easy (for me) to fall into a mindset where one thinks their situation is unique. I won’t go into details here — some of which are in my Darth Vader story — but sometimes the suffering one feels cuts deeper than the hurt one feels from personality clashes and disputes. That people never really intentionally want to hurt others they love is quickly debunked when such people are seen to go out of their way to mentally abuse their children or spouse. It is not just a matter of perception. And I’m not disagreeing with your article either, just adding a kind of long-winded footnote that some folks have it seriously bad. I’m especially worried about my sister who has to put up with my father on a daily basis and feel guilty I can’t be there to support her on location. I’m lucky in a way. I ran away from home.
However, that’s where my criticism (of my parent) needs to stop. As you have alluded, I need to find peace within myself and the strength to end this ugly family tradition of abuse and hate. And I think I’m gradually getting to that promised land, though that road is often winding and rough. :)
P.s. My family just arrived from overseas to travel around Japan, and I’ll be spending time with them while they’re in town. Please wish me luck? LoL
Thanks for this article! Looking forward to reading your other ones :D (And sorry this reply got so long!)