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anita

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Viewing 15 posts - 586 through 600 (of 3,350 total)
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  • in reply to: 9 year Old relationship is becoming bareer for me #444478
    anita
    Participant

    Dear devesh tiwaro:

    This is my understanding of your situation:

    You feel torn between your desire for freedom—to live life on your terms, explore new experiences, and avoid long-term commitments—and your girlfriend’s expectations of marriage and stability. This inner conflict is causing significant anxiety and stress.

    Your feelings of guilt, as expressed in “I feel like a demon,” indicate that you’re struggling with the morality of your actions and how they are affecting your girlfriend.

    Throughout your seven-year relationship, you have engaged in multiple casual relationships, which suggests difficulty with commitment and fidelity. It seems you find fulfillment outside of the current relationship dynamic.

    Describing yourself as a “play type man” shows self-awareness of your behavior, though you haven’t addressed the root causes behind your inability or unwillingness to remain loyal.

    Your longing to ‘shift to another country’ and ‘explore other people’ highlights your priority for adventure and independence over settling down. It appears you feel constrained, even suffocated, by the long-term nature of your current relationship.

    Although you had open conversations with your girlfriend, they often end in arguments and emotional reactions, such as her crying. This reflects the difficulty in bridging your differing needs and goals, leading to unproductive communication.

    You describe your girlfriend as “loyal, caring, and struggling,” and it’s clear she is fully committed to the relationship, even desiring marriage. This creates a significant mismatch, as you do not share her vision of a future together.

    Her tears and sadness indicate how deeply invested and hurt she is by the situation. At the same time, your anxiety and guilt show you are also emotionally overwhelmed. Both of you are suffering, but for different reasons.

    Her response, “if you’re feeling bored with me then it’s fine to leave me,” suggests she feels rejected and may even be blaming herself for the state of the relationship.

    At its core, the relationship seems misaligned in goals, values, and emotional needs. Your desire for personal freedom contrasts sharply with her hope for long-term commitment and stability, creating ongoing tension.

    While you’re trying to avoid hurting your girlfriend, your continued presence in the relationship appears to prolong the pain for both of you. Staying out of guilt rather than genuine commitment risks causing even greater emotional harm over time.

    This situation reflects a deep incompatibility between you and your girlfriend. While you don’t intend to hurt her, your actions and lack of commitment are already causing pain. Staying in the relationship out of obligation seems likely to extend the suffering for both parties.

    The healthiest step may be to have one final, honest, and compassionate conversation with your girlfriend. Clearly communicate your feelings and intentions. While this may be painful for her initially, it could allow both of you to move forward in ways that align with your individual desires and needs.

    Further advice:

    (1) Take time to better understand your feelings, priorities, and patterns, such as struggles with commitment. If you’re comfortable, you can explore these here in your thread. Therapy or counseling might also help you gain clarity and better understanding.

    (2) Avoid sending mixed signals—for example, considering engagement while expressing disinterest in marriage. Embrace honesty fully and commit to living authentically, both for your well-being and for hers.

    (3) Shift the focus from solely the breakup => building understanding and compassion for yourself and for her. Doing so can create closure that makes it possible for both of you to heal and grow individually.

    (4) Remember that while you can show compassion, you cannot control how your girlfriend feels or reacts. Accept what you cannot change, and have the courage to focus on the things that are within your power to change.

    I hope these suggestions help guide you toward clarity and peace in this difficult situation. Wishing you strength and growth as you navigate the next steps with care.

    anita

    in reply to: Oh! Life you are complicated. #444474
    anita
    Participant

    Dear anonymous: I am looking forward to read and reply to you in the next 12 hours or so!

    anita

    in reply to: Feeling Stuck #444471
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Mollie:

    You are very welcome! I would be glad to answer your questions tomorrow morning, in about 17 hours from now.

    anita

    in reply to: 9 year Old relationship is becoming bareer for me #444470
    anita
    Participant

    Dear devesh tiwaro:

    You are welcome! I will return to your thread Sat morning (Fri afternoon here) to reply further. In the meantime, whatever you would like to add that may make the situation clearer for me, please do.

    anita

    in reply to: 9 year Old relationship is becoming bareer for me #444465
    anita
    Participant

    Dear devesh tiwaro:

    Thank you for sharing more about your situation. It sounds like these conversations have been very challenging for both of you. Her crying might not necessarily mean she’s being manipulative (first thought that came to my mind)—it could be her way of processing emotions or expressing how deeply she’s affected by the discussions. That said, if her reaction makes it difficult for you to communicate openly, that’s definitely something to reflect on.

    Maybe it would help to approach these conversations in a way that creates space for both of your feelings without escalating into arguments. For example, you could write your thoughts down first to organize them, or find a calm moment to talk when emotions aren’t already running high. If this feels overwhelming, seeking guidance from a counselor or mediator might also give you tools to have more productive discussions.

    Ultimately, it’s important to consider both your needs and hers—and whether this relationship can provide mutual understanding and support.

    anita

    in reply to: 9 year Old relationship is becoming bareer for me #444462
    anita
    Participant

    Dear devesh tiwaro:

    Thank you for sharing your situation so openly—it takes courage to express these feelings. It sounds like you’re at a crossroads, feeling overwhelmed and unsure about how to move forward.

    It’s clear that your girlfriend deeply values and cares for you, which is why she wants to marry you despite the challenges. At the same time, it’s just as important to honor your own feelings and needs. Staying in a relationship when you’re not happy or fulfilled might end up hurting both of you in the long run, as well as complicating things further.

    Perhaps having an honest and respectful conversation with her about how you feel could help. It’s important to express your thoughts gently but clearly, so she understands where you’re coming from. While it might be difficult, being transparent will allow both of you to consider what’s best for yourselves and for the relationship.

    If you’re feeling anxious or confused, it might also help to talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or even a counselor. They could provide guidance as you navigate these emotions and decisions.

    You’re in a tough spot, but taking the time to reflect on what you want for your future—and communicating that openly—can help you find clarity.

    Wishing you peace and clarity as you work through this. Please feel free to post again for more input.

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444459
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Alessa and everyone reading this:

    * trigger warning *

    Alessa: “our trauma is so similar”- Our trauma is indeed so similar—it’s about a mother betraying the trust of her little girl in deeply painful ways. Ways that cut to the heart and inflict wounds that linger in the depths of the soul.

    I want to respond to your yesterday’s post, Alessa: “Regarding your question about evil. I read that evil is a lack of empathy… I don’t think that hurting people is about defending oneself. There is a very clear difference between defensive aggression and someone who is actively trying to hurt another person. There is a joy that is taken in harming others… someone who is being defensive takes no joy in it.”- (1) I appreciate your firm tone here—it was exactly what I needed. In the posts earlier, I found myself going soft, soft for my mother. Your firmness helped balance that softness, which could have otherwise pulled me back into the depths of my trauma,

    (2) I looked up the terms “defensive aggression” and “offensive aggression” (often just called “aggression”). Here is what I am learning this morning: Defensive aggression occurs when someone feels threatened and reacts to protect themselves, like a shield. It’s driven by fear and is typically reactive, arising from perceived threats or a need for self-defense.

    Offensive aggression, on the other hand, is deliberate and intended to harm, like a weapon. It stems from a desire to dominate or hurt, such as insulting someone to make them feel bad.

    The key difference is that defensive aggression reacts to fear, while offensive aggression is calculated and hostile. Offensive Aggression by a parent leaves deeper emotional scars on a child, and fosters more distrust in a child than defensive aggression, as the child perceives these actions as deliberate.

    Examples of Offensive Aggression: Insults- “You’re useless—you’ll never amount to anything in life.”, Humiliation- “I can’t believe you’re so stupid. You embarrass me in front of everyone.”, Threats- “If you don’t do as I say, I’ll make your life miserable.”, Manipulation- “After everything I’ve done for you, this is how you repay me? You’re selfish.”, Blame- “It’s your fault this family is falling apart. You ruin everything.”

    Examples of Defensive Aggression: Deflecting Responsibility- “Why are you always blaming me? I never did anything wrong!”, Overreacting to Criticism- “You have no idea how hard my life is—how dare you judge me!”, Physical Reaction- Slamming a door or raising a hand in frustration when feeling cornered, Defensive Statements- “You always make me out to be the bad guy—I’m just trying my best!”, Dismissive Behavior- Ignoring the child’s emotions by saying, “Oh, stop it! You’re overreacting again.”

    Offensive Aggression is direct and intentional harm, aimed at degrading, intimidating, or controlling the child.

    Defensive Aggression stems from feeling threatened or cornered. While it may hurt less because it’s not maliciously intended, it can still make a child feel unsafe and uncertain about a mother’s emotional stability.

    I don’t remember my mother being defensively aggressive although she may have been. What I do remember is her being offensively aggressive. I clearly remember is her being (I am typing as I think), I remember her being strong and dominant.. with me. Weak and submissive with others, but strong and dominant with me (I am thinking about you, Alessa, hoping this .. hoping you are not reading this if it’s triggering. Please feel free to not read).

    I think that this is occurring to me for the first time in my life, that our relationship was special after all, in a way. With me, she felt Strong and Dominant and that felt good to her, so different from the Weak and Submissive experience otherwise.

    I accommodated her. I knew what she needed although I couldn’t articulate it, not even to myself.

    With me, she felt powerful, at least during the times she hurt me and could see that she did. I can almost remember this: submitting to her because she needed it. I LOVED her so much! I would have done anything for her! I’d climb the highest mountain for her, but when what she needed was to see me humiliated, trapped in a hole, then yes, this is what I’d do.

    Standing up for myself, being strong, that would have taken away her way to be strong, to feel strong, that is, to feel powerful.

    So, yes, what I remember most is her taking advantage of this opportunity to feel powerful in relation to me. She said to me: “You are one big zero”- that made her feel like a 100.

    Strange thing is (and I figure I am sounding crazy)- I don’t regret making her feel powerful. I know it was a very good feeling for her. I am happy that she felt good in those moments. All I ever wanted was for her to feel good.

    I don’t regret that it felt good for her.

    I just dived into crazy land, didn’t I.

    When love is misused and abused, Crazy is the consequence.

    I LOVED her so much. I tried not to, for the longest time- placing Anger in between me and my love for her.

    I cannot deny that love, Love for her.

    She needed me to be “a big zero” and I accommodated.

    Looking into my soul this Friday almost-noon: there’s that love in it, dominant love, would-do-anything love.

    I feel in-touch with myself more than ever right now. I understand more than ever. I don’t know what I will be typing next. No planning, no agenda.

    I was a very loving little girl after all, not at all the selfish, evil girl she said I was.

    Oh, I was a good girl after all. I didn’t know!

    Back to your yesterday’s post, Alessa: “I feel like people use flimsy excuses for these types of behaviours. They are looking for opportunities to hurt others and re-enacting their trauma by role-playing the aggressor. The sad truth is it is easy to do, because it requires nothing in the way of self control and there has been cultural acceptance of children being possessions and child abuse being legal worldwide for a long time.”- Perfectly said.

    anita the possession. An item to be possessed. No wonder I felt claustrophobic being trapped in a 2-dimensional trap, that of being an item.

    You ended your today’s post with: “I’m sorry to say that I don’t feel sad for your mother. I care that you are suffering, worrying about her and that you suffered at her hands and she falsely blamed you for it. ❤️”- someone taking my side? Unheard of! Now heard, lol.

    (I just got scared that you will somehow get offended, Alessa, by my comment “Now heard, lol”. I hear her saying: what do you mean by “lol” why, you- anita- are a terrible person by lol-ing me, something like that).

    It’s not yet Friday noon time yet, but it feels like way later.

    There was always criticism coming from her, always the “You are BAD anita” message. A message that made her feel good, so she kept repeating it.

    Connecting this to the news I heard a few days ago, that at 85, she is severely hunched over, can’t walk straight, won’t let people help her (because it makes her feel weak to be helped)- I don’t have any bad wishes for her, don’t have the desire that she hurts. Have the desire- as always- that she’d feel good. There were moments when she loved me, or cared for me, like taking a few buses so to get me my favorite marzipan cake. Although I don’t know if it was an act of love, or an investment in keeping her Feeling- Powerful- Over possessed item (anita) invested in the dynamic.

    I remember that cake as if it was yesterday.

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444458
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Alessa:

    Your post above is truly perfect. You showed up for me in the most thoughtful and meaningful way, and I’m in awe of you at this moment.

    * Taking a moment to share my thoughts after writing the above:

    I worry that other members might feel offended because I didn’t tell them their posts were perfect.

    When I wrote “at this moment,” did I inadvertently imply that I’m not in awe of her at other times?

    These are the kinds of thoughts that have tortured me repeatedly. They stem from my mother’s relentless scrutiny—she would find fault in anything I said, accusing me of ill intent, regardless of how well-meaning my words were. She’d point out where I went wrong, where I slighted her, or where she felt I subtly tried to insult her.

    Back to my opening two sentences: they were genuine, no ill intent. Nothing to fix.

    Thank you so much, Alessa, for caring for me and showing up with such thoughtfulness and empathy. It means a lot to me. I truly appreciate the effort you put into being present, especially when discussing something as sensitive as trauma. Please know that I don’t want to trigger your PTSD in any way, and I’ll be mindful of that as I share more about how our experiences are similar.

    It means a lot to me that you care about how I feel and want to support me in the best way possible. I promise to let you know if something isn’t helpful, and I also want you to know that I’m here for you too. If there’s ever anything I can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

    * After reflecting further, I realized this post was becoming quite long, so I’ll wrap it up here and continue in a separate post. ❤️

    anita

    in reply to: Passing clouds #444456
    anita
    Participant

    Thank you so much for your kind words, Zenith! That means a lot to me 💙 You’re so sweet!

    anita

    in reply to: Feeling Stuck #444455
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Mollie:

    Welcome back to the forums! I re-read your earlier two posts from Nov 1, 2021 and May 2022. While your current struggles are different, I see similar patterns of overthinking, self-doubt, and a desire for clarity. But your ability to reflect on your needs and make thoughtful decisions shows real growth.

    Life transitions, like the ones you’re going through, can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel stuck when reality doesn’t align with expectations. What really shines through in your post is your hopefulness and self-awareness, even in tough times. That resilience will guide you forward.

    Here are a few thoughts that came to mind:

    1. Career Path Resigning from your job sounds like a difficult but necessary decision. Recognizing that a role isn’t helping you grow takes courage. Feeling renewed confidence about your career is promising, and returning to university could open exciting opportunities. Taking small steps toward your goals—like networking or exploring creative projects—might also help ease the transition.

    2. Loneliness: Living alone can feel isolating, especially when work drains your energy. While you value solitude, you’ve highlighted how meaningful social connections are for your well-being. Could you schedule intentional time with friends or explore local activities to meet new people? I hope university brings the connections you’re hoping for.

    3. Relationships: Your reflections on your past relationship show personal growth. Knowing what you need in a partner—dependability and mutual effort—is key. If you reconnect, sharing your thoughts might bring clarity, whether for closure or exploring the relationship’s potential.

    4. Hope and Gratitude: Missing the joy you once felt is natural, but this phase may be laying the foundation for brighter days. Gratitude practices can help ground you, and spending quiet weekends exploring hobbies or journaling might add a sense of meaning. It’s okay to feel both gratitude and discontent—they’re valid emotions and can coexist.

    Finally, your post doesn’t feel ungrateful at all. It’s clear you appreciate the blessings in your life while being honest about your struggles. Life’s transitions can be messy, but the effort and reflection you’ve shown will help guide you forward.

    Wishing you peace, clarity, and joy as you continue this journey. You’ve already come so far, and I truly believe brighter days are ahead for you.

    anita

    in reply to: Inspirational words #444431
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Peter:

    Anthony de Mello says that everything is deeply interconnected. When we stop seeing the world as divided (by labels, ideologies, religions, ethnicities, social classes, etc.), and ourselves as divided ((observer vs. observed, thinker vs. thought)- we can move beyond the illusions of separation and the sufferings that go with this illusion.

    He says that happiness is not something to chase or acquire—it’s already within us. Children, for example, are naturally happy because they haven’t yet been influenced by societal pressures or labels. The problem is that we become polluted by ambitions, cravings, and illusions that block us from experiencing the happiness we already have.

    To rediscover happiness, there is no need to add anything to our lives; instead, we need to let go of the illusions and labels that weigh us down. In essence, happiness comes from simplicity and shedding what isn’t real.

    Thank you for posting these Inspirational words this Thursday afternoon , Peter 👭👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🐶🐱

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444430
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Alessa:

    Thank you for caring to be here for me at a time when I need help, it means a lot to me. ❤️

    I am looking forward to your next reply and will process all tomorrow morning.

    anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444427
    anita
    Participant

    Typing on my phone, feeling better after eating some peanuts. Was feeling very sad a little earlier sad for my mother. I wonder (and it’s a scary thought,), how much of what we consider evil, and which is evil in objective terms, how much of it. from the offenders perspective, is nothing more than defending oneself against pain, that and nothing more.

    I am inviting my sadness, my pain- to be, to not be pushed down, minimized, but to have the space to breathe. For the sadness is not my enemy, not if I don’t go against it and take it’s oxygen away.

    Redirect suppression to expression, self fragmentation to self integration, self aggression, really to acceptance, expansion.

    Anita

    in reply to: Untangling Anger: How It Shapes My Actions and Life #444423
    anita
    Participant

    I am coming to understand that my mother perceived my empathy and sincere efforts to help her as something that exposed her vulnerabilities, making her feel weak. Rather than feeling supported, she felt threatened—interpreting my care as shining a light on emotions she preferred to keep hidden, such as her feelings of inadequacy. This triggered a defensive reaction, and she responded with aggression as a way to protect herself.

    At the same time, when I expressed empathy, she seemed to experience it as a shift in power—placing me in a position of emotional strength and leaving her feeling weak in comparison. For someone struggling with feelings of inadequacy, control can become a way to cope, masking or managing those insecurities.

    By exerting authority over situations or people, they create an illusion of competence or strength.

    For her, any sign of strength on my part—whether it was showing empathy or believing I had the ability to help her—felt unsettling, prompting her to react aggressively in an effort to reassert control.

    anita

    in reply to: Moving on from the past break up #444422
    anita
    Participant

    Dear Clara:

    Thank you for your kind reply. I truly appreciate your words and the acknowledgment of my experiences—they mean a lot to me.

    It sounds like you have an exciting trip ahead! I hope it brings you joy, relaxation, and a refreshing change of pace. Take all the time you need to reflect and reply—there’s no rush at all.

    Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful time on your trip. Take good care, and I look forward to hearing from you when you’re ready. 🙂

    anita

Viewing 15 posts - 586 through 600 (of 3,350 total)