I’m glad you’re fighting for your voice, even through writing here! Someone close to me was in a similar family situation, and it was only when I started highlighting was was and wasn’t normal that they started to integrate what the family dynamic really was! I think one way to see you’re in a dysfunctional family is if you are a people pleaser, because you’ve learn to adapt to not “rock the boat” like you said. Of course this wouldn’t be the only trait, but that is what I’ve experienced!
Oh yes, people-pleasing can definitely be a red flag of a dysfunctional family dynamic, but I'm not sure that is always the case. Thank you for your comment and stay tuned for part 2!
oh I’m not saying it always is for sure, life is a lot more nuanced than that. But it can definitely be a common response to dysfunction from what Ive experienced! looking forward to part 2 :)
I’ve had to make the difficult choice to go no contact with most of my relatives. My life is so much more peaceful. I appreciate your sharing your experience.
Thank you for speaking about dynamics that are so often hidden because victims of abuse blame themselves--generally because of the gaslighting and verbal/emotional abuse you describe. I appreciate your labour in helping me to better understand, and I will try to use this understanding to be a better ally.
You're going to be such a good therapist, both because of your lived experience and because of the wisdom you have acquired through your education and self work.
This sounds exhausting and I'm sorry you had to experience these abusive dynamics with your family! I hope your post does a part in lifting the veil for someone else who needs it.
So good! You’re bringing light to something so many experience but rarely talk about - how family dysfunction can silence us in ways we don’t even realize. Your breakdown of gaslighting, triangulation, and smear campaigns is so spot-on. Also, what a cool connection with losing your voice in a dysfunctional family, kind of like Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Great metaphor. Finding your voice again through writing feels like an act of defiance and healing. Thank you for sharing.
I’m glad you’re fighting for your voice, even through writing here! Someone close to me was in a similar family situation, and it was only when I started highlighting was was and wasn’t normal that they started to integrate what the family dynamic really was! I think one way to see you’re in a dysfunctional family is if you are a people pleaser, because you’ve learn to adapt to not “rock the boat” like you said. Of course this wouldn’t be the only trait, but that is what I’ve experienced!
Oh yes, people-pleasing can definitely be a red flag of a dysfunctional family dynamic, but I'm not sure that is always the case. Thank you for your comment and stay tuned for part 2!
oh I’m not saying it always is for sure, life is a lot more nuanced than that. But it can definitely be a common response to dysfunction from what Ive experienced! looking forward to part 2 :)
Part 2 has been in the works for a while!! But you might have just motivated me to get it out there soon ;)
I’ve had to make the difficult choice to go no contact with most of my relatives. My life is so much more peaceful. I appreciate your sharing your experience.
Well done for putting your mental and emotional needs first 👏🏻 I'm also no-contact with one family member and low-contact with others.
Thank you for speaking about dynamics that are so often hidden because victims of abuse blame themselves--generally because of the gaslighting and verbal/emotional abuse you describe. I appreciate your labour in helping me to better understand, and I will try to use this understanding to be a better ally.
You're going to be such a good therapist, both because of your lived experience and because of the wisdom you have acquired through your education and self work.
Thank you so much for your kind words 😊 it is much appreciated x
This sounds exhausting and I'm sorry you had to experience these abusive dynamics with your family! I hope your post does a part in lifting the veil for someone else who needs it.
Thank you, I hope so too :) thanks for commenting!
So good! You’re bringing light to something so many experience but rarely talk about - how family dysfunction can silence us in ways we don’t even realize. Your breakdown of gaslighting, triangulation, and smear campaigns is so spot-on. Also, what a cool connection with losing your voice in a dysfunctional family, kind of like Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Great metaphor. Finding your voice again through writing feels like an act of defiance and healing. Thank you for sharing.
"an act of defiance and healing" - wow, that really resonates with me. So glad you enjoyed. Thank you for commenting!
Thank you ♥️