Do i sound reasonable in my letter to my mom?

Don't talk to me about H or K. (H is my brother, K is my sister)

Don't say mean things to Dad or be mean to him in my presence.

Don't say anything about me to H or K.

Don't judge or characterize me directly or INDIRECTLY

Don't communicate indirectly.

Don't talk negatively about people I know.

Don't repeat something I said out of context to someone else.

Don't trick me into talking to someone I don't want to talk to.

DON'T LIE.

Don't try to manipulate me.

Don't bully or punish Dad for hanging out with me.

Voting Results
59% Normal
Based on 17 votes (10 yes)
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Comments ( 16 )
  • Tealights

    Start with actually writing a letter. All you're doing here is listing a bunch of commands.

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    • RoyRogers

      Iknow right damn!

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  • Ellenna

    Do you really believe you'll get a positive response to a list of orders to your mother? Really? Would you if it were the other way round?

    A much better approach would be to use the old formula: "When you ........ (whatever it is you want changed) ........ I feel ........ (whatever the effect is on you) ...... and I really want you to ............(stop doing it, do it differently, whatever is appropriate, but be specific) ..........."

    Also, it would be much better to use the above approach as each issue comes up rather than giving her a list of commands and gripes.

    I don't know how old you are but I would think any parent would be enraged if they received a letter set out in the way you have. Please think again unless you want to make the situation worse.

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  • jethro

    Why not just talk to her. Have a discussion. If you still live at home, then move out and her actions won't bother you. Let H, K and dad fight their own battles.

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  • wigz

    Don't talk to me about H or K. (H is my brother, K is my sister)

    -unreasonable, solution: minimize/cut contact with your mom

    Don't say mean things to Dad or be mean to him in my presence.

    -unreasonable, let dad deal with it how he chooses, again...minimize/cut contact

    Don't say anything about me to H or K.

    -unreasonable, minimize/cut contact

    Don't judge or characterize me directly or INDIRECTLY

    -stop giving her information to judge you on...minimize/cut contact

    Don't communicate indirectly.

    -cut off her avenues of indirect communication

    Don't talk negatively about people I know.

    -unreasonable, minimize/cut contact or react with a reasonable consequence

    Don't repeat something I said out of context to someone else.

    -stop giving her stuff to talk about

    Don't trick me into talking to someone I don't want to talk to.

    -minimize her ability to do that

    DON'T LIE.

    -liars lie, minimize/cut contact

    Don't try to manipulate me.

    -don't give her the chance

    Don't bully or punish Dad for hanging out with me.

    -dad is a big boy, let him handle it

    You can't force someone to change.

    Minimizing or cutting off contact with your mom will solve a lot of your problems. Do what you can on your end, stop giving her opportunity. Set some reasonable boundaries. For instance, you can't force her not to lie but you can say 'if you lie to me again, I will (insert consequence)' or ya know, just stop talking to her.

    If you shut her down perhaps she will be more open to talking out the issues after a while. Use the time to study effective communication and get therapy if you can.

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    • So... cut contact? Thanks for your advice. I did stop talking to her about 2 weeks ago.

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      • RoyRogers

        We need context for all of this.

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      • wigz

        Well that would've been helpful to know. I answered from the assumption that the letter was 'how you can remain in my life', not 'how can you get back into my life'. Either way, the content and delivery is inappropriate and ineffective but since you have already cut contact, I'd add a bit here...

        The part about manipulating you stands out now. It's only been 2 weeks, why are you so quick to want to be back in her life? To me, that sounds like you possibly feel guilty or empty without her even though she causes you such grief. That is manipulation, that is how she programmed you. She is still controlling you! I think you really need to take more time, get counselling, deprogram yourself, get far enough away from it that you can see you can live without her if you must. You are not in control yet and your letter, while it is assertive in tone, is honestly desperate. A manipulator would eat that up.

        Also, regarding your siblings, you didn't indicate why you don't want to hear/talk about them.

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  • jsnpq

    All reasonable requests. I recommend reading it to her in your voice with a neutral adult 3rd party in the room. Change all the dont's to I dont like its. Tell her how you feel. When you do this, I feel like this.

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  • ddrftw

    Did your mother do you wrong or what? That "letter" made you sound like an asshole. Sorry, we need more information.

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  • smallthindick1

    I think you deserve the Mother you have!

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    • jsnpq

      I think you need to die!

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  • Dad

    That is such a sweet letter to your Mom, I bet she keeps it until you become mature one day.
    I reckon she'll likely read it to your 16yo daughter MANY years from now, and your daughter will say, Mom, you were such a bitch :D But in a loving way.

    Anyway a nice read thanks.

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  • finn

    So basically your mom has to become another human being just to satisfy you. You're a selfish ass. I bet you still live with your parents, get your laundry done by them, free rent, free food...and yet your demands should be met. Yup you're a free loading giant ass.

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    • She makes up fake stories about me, just like you're doing now, to get people on her side.

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      • finn

        Oh sweetie here's a lollie. Now go sit in the corner and let the adults chat.

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