The Matthew Effect
“For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance.But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” This…
Triangulation, Alienation, Gaslighting Children
THERAPIST: So you’re upset that your mom pointed out missed chores and unmet expectations — even after a few consistent weeks of you doing them without reminders? SON: Yeah. I did them…
Living With Trauma and Overwhelm
Growing up highly sensitive and neurodivergent, I wasn’t seen as struggling — I was seen as willful and defiant, seeking control and attention with my needs. Survival meant submission — something…
The Agonizing Cycle of Stonewalling
The Cycle: In these relationships (my mom, sister, ex-husband, Younger son), there’s a deep avoidance of vulnerability. Struggling, being hurt, needing something — these are seen as weaknesses, something shameful.…
She stepped out—but he was already building another door.
Familiar Shapes
He’s always needed a woman with more. More money, more shine, more spine. He likes the kind with a backbone as long as it’s used to lift him. Strong is…
“But What Did She Do?”
Friend: So you’re not in contact with your daughter anymore? Family Member: No, she’s just too much. Always some issue with her. Always making everything harder than it has to…
Be Grateful or Else
Many of my interactions seem to carry the same unspoken rule:You better be grateful for what you get. Shut up. Stay put. Or else. It doesn’t matter if I’m talking…
Serves Her Right
In the family system/code that believes and says, "Serves you right," my boys seem to have been programmed to interpret my chaos, struggle, difficulty, and misfortune as proof of my…
No Room for Safety, No Right to Sovereignty
A raw, personal reflection on growing up without safety or sovereignty — and learning to exist in my own body, voice, and truth. Family in Name Only So the way…
Unseen, Still Here: My Journey Through Family Estrangement
My boys left me They used to count on me. Laugh with me. Play with me. They would instinctively curl up next to me and hug me and kiss me…