I’ve experienced it Katherine, but not from my parents, but from my previous relationship that ended about 6 months ago. Helping her get through college and a DUI and some other emotional issues. She treated all her friends with loyalty and praise, but gave me very little praise and often downplayed everything I did for her and us over almost 3 years together. Even after she left me to “find herself” she never apologized for her treatment of me or thanked me for anything I did.

I’m not sure if you’re like me, I’m having a real hard to letting go and forgiving.

Maybe this comes from a lack of respect and how they potentially see us as doormats. It could be an issue with boundaries (we put up with it, so they don’t respect us) or that they desire a certain amount of drama in their lives and the easiest victim is a person who loves them unconditionally. Since we feel as the caregiver that if tolerate the treatment, eventually they’ll see their wrongdoings and we’ll get the praise and respect we deserve. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen very often.

• This reply was modified 11 years, 8 months ago by Phil.