Quote From: lburnspeacWell, I wasn't going to comment because I don't have kids, but I can totally relate to your post. There are 5 of us kids & my mom is very negative - i felt guilt from years gone by and talked w/her 2/3 times a day for years - but the negativity really got to me so i tried to talk w/her about it, but she doesn't get it, so i spent 6 months not speaking to her & it really seems to have changed things. I knew she wasn't going to change and I knew I had to change something or i would go crazy. she tried to call and call and force me to p/u the phone, good grief! Instead of getting it, now she is talking to the other siblings like she used to me - so i'm glad i did what i did for my own peace of mind. i feel much better & try to stick w/good, positive people who support me. it's too bad, but i was tired of the same thing over and over. that is crazy-making stuff!
In our case, Mother was the one who decided which of us would be in the Doghouse. She would stop speaking to one of us, and then would overburden the others with her negativity and complaints. The duration of the silent treatment depended on her view of the offense.
Mother wanted all control over my sister's wedding, and when sis refused (being an adult and financing her own wedding), mom refused to attend, nor did she speak to sis for years. In fact she missed out on the first few years of her granddaughter's life and now they have no relationship. As sad as this is, sis was able to start her family without any interference from a possessive and controlling g'ma.
I can truly relate to the effects of the negativity ... I prayed for a chance in the doghouse for some peace and quiet. And like you, I hang out with people who have a sense of humor, and a positive outlook on life.
