Aisha I am truly sorry that you and your family have to be exposed to this. My question is, how is it that you and your family so close to your g’mother? Do you all live together?

All too often people believe that just because people are related, such as biological brothers and sisters, grandparents, parents, etc, that relationship is a requirement to tolerate emotional abuse. Emotional abuse, no matter who it comes from, is totally unacceptable. So because she is your g’mother, and your mom’s mother, absolutely does not obligate you to be the beneficiary of emotional abuse. In caving in to her manipulation through emotional abuse only strengthens her will to use it over and over again. She does this only because of the approval of others. That approval comes in the form of complying to her ever present threat of emotional and verbal abuse.

I’ll spare you a lengthy opinion and say this. Now is a good time to let her know that under no circumstances will you no longer tolerate her verbal abuse. She needs to let go of her antiquated and unacceptable ways of addressing her granddaughter and the family. I doubt she will do this. But standing your ground, demanding that she has two choices: either talk to you in a respectful manner or not at all, doing this will put her on notice that you are a human being first and foremost and by virtue of that you deserve to be treated in a respectful manner. Doing this will also empower you to regain your sense of self respect and dignity. Realize that in doing this, she will still be your g’mom.

We are all here for you Aisha.

Pearce