On Estrangement Stigma

 Someone I know well who I love and who loves me once said to me... 

"I know I had challenges raising my kids but at least they aren't as messed up as yours. I did a good job as a parent."

I think they were thinking outloud. They were needing a more fair narrative about their life story than the one they've been telling themself. 

We are the hardest on ourselves. But as humans we feel better if we can feel better than someone else even if our lot is shit. We tell ourselves at least my situation is not like that.

They said out loud what I know people think. I prefer honesty, but I wish I hadn't had to learn how to live with stigma.

I knew it wasn't about me. I extended grace, but it hurt at the time.

#EstrangedParent #estrangement #influencers #mothering #nocontact #ParentalAlienation #resillence