Dealing with Toxic Family Members
A person writes about their struggles with their sister, who has been making hurtful comments about their family, including their deceased father. The sister’s behavior has been toxic, and the person has decided to cut off contact with her.
The Sister’s Behavior
The sister’s actions have been damaging, including getting drunk and saying bad things about their mother and the person. She also ruined a family vacation with another drunk outbreak and missed some money that the person had given her for a car. The person is hesitant to confront their sister, knowing that she will deny any wrongdoing and try to insult them.
The Person’s Struggles
The person is disabled with serious recurrent depression and anxiety, which was exacerbated by finding their father after his suicide. They feel that their sister would not understand their struggles and would continue to be toxic. The person is wondering if they should reach out to their sister and tell her why they have been ignoring her texts.
Advice
The advice given is to recognize that the sister is not a good person and that her behavior is toxic. It is recommended that the person confront their sister, but also to prioritize their own well-being and avoid engaging with her toxicity. The person is also encouraged to seek help for their own problems, including their depression and anxiety.
Another Person’s Struggle
Another person writes about their struggles with their wife’s 42-year-old son, who has been living with them for four months. The son does not work and does nothing to contribute to the household, and the person is feeling frustrated and resentful. The person’s wife seems to be enabling the son’s behavior, and the person is wondering if they are wrong to feel angry.
The Son’s Behavior
The son’s behavior is described as doing nothing except eating all day and night, and the person is feeling imposed upon. The person’s wife seems to be making excuses for the son’s behavior, and the person is feeling frustrated and angry. The person is wondering if they should continue to support the son or if they should set boundaries.
Advice
The advice given is to place their foot down and make their feelings known. The person has the right to be angry and to set boundaries, and they should not be afraid to express their feelings. It is also recommended that the person and their wife have a conversation about the son’s behavior and how it is affecting their relationship.
