Dear Poppy,

You have pretty much understood what needs to be done as per the current situation of you being at home with her.

Disengage, superficial engagement at best.

When she gives a jibe, it’s best to ignore her and respond passively, a blank look, a nod, a hmm..If you feel really irritated, you can answer her back but it will be fruitless mostly. The negativity will further expand. Her negativity is about her. If she can’t talk to you properly like an adult, there is very less you can do.

The moment you no longer need to live with her and have you own finances taken care of, have a stable partner in your life, her interference or ability to do so will diminish. She will be forced to see you more as an adult.

Till then, write angry pages in your diary, deattach from her. Focus on you.