Comments on: 10 Question Quiz: Do You Need Better Boundaries With Your Emotionally Neglectful Parents?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 18:31:40 +0000

My parents were and still are emotionally neglectful, but they aren’t narcissists or sociopaths. I think it might be helpful to write about the difference if you haven’t already. It’s taken me a long time to piece it all together but I’ve discovered that my parents both genuinely love me but because of their own pasts with neglectful and even abusive parents, they never learned how to parent in a loving and affirming way. This is not their fault. They are doing the best they can. I do keep my distance to a degree but I also spend time with them. But there IS healing and hope available, and it’s not only found through cutting negative people out of your life. That just leaves a hole and you’re bound to fill it with something negative. I appreciate this page and all that you’re doing to help people. Blessings

By: Jonice

Jonice — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 17:09:11 +0000

In reply to Joseph. Dear Joseph, I'm glad you are in therapy. You can still change your relationship with your parents, even long after they are gone. Good work!

By: Jonice

Jonice — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 17:07:24 +0000

In reply to MA. Dear MA, it sounds like you have done the best possible thing for yourself. Thanks for sharing your experience as I'm sure it will help others.

By: Jonice

Jonice — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 17:04:26 +0000

In reply to Janae. Dear Janae, there may be a community health center near you where you can get therapy on a sliding scale. Please do everything you can to get help.

By: Jonice

Jonice — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 17:01:59 +0000

In reply to Vickie. Hi Vickie, I'm sure this must be your own experience and what you say is often true. But there are other ways to create and hold boundaries with a narcissistic mother as well. It depends on the type of mother you have and how much harm she does to you and your life. Thanks for sharing!

By: Joseph

Joseph — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 23:43:21 +0000

Unfortunately my parents died 25-33 years ago. As I look back, my parents Sociopathic. As child I was needy, and as parents they were needy particularly when it came to money or other family members. When I was in it, it was difficult to see. Now that they are gone, while there are regrets, therapy has so far been helpful in dealing with my parents.
I need to get and read your book.

By: MA

MA — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 15:38:47 +0000

Thank you for writing such insightful articles. I never had a term for how I was raised until I started learning about CEN.
Almost five years ago I decided to stop communication with my mom. I told her I would always love her and that I am not angry at her but I just cannot deal with the her drama anymore. She has tried to reconnect several times but I’m just not interested in being sucked back into her web. She has all the signs of a narcissistic, sociopath.
I do feel guilty sometimes that I no longer have a relationship with her. But then I remind myself my mental and emotional well being are more important. I’m a happy, healthier person this way.

By: Janae

Janae — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 11:39:17 +0000

I have chronic health issues, and have never been able to work full-time, which has kept me living with my parents my entire life. I’m in my early 40’s, now, and struggle with all of the things mentioned in this article. There doesn’t seem to be any hope for someone like me. I can’t afford counseling, and fear that I will be stuck in this unhealthy environment forever.

By: Vickie

Vickie — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 05:25:13 +0000

The only way to truly heal from a narcissistic mother is to cut all ties so you can begin a process of becoming the person you were meant to be. It takes time to undo the damage.

By: Jonice

Jonice — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 13:38:35 +0000

In reply to Anne. Dear Anne, thank you so much for sharing your heard-earned insights. I celebrate you for working to stop the CEN at your generation. It's your efforts that really matter and will make the difference.