I have a baby and just got out of an abusive relationship this year. I used to not let my dad’s side of the family hang around them because I always felt on guard, since I had to protect my baby from her dad’s family too. They also were toxic, as my dad is mentally, verbally, and emotionally abusive and alcoholic and they enable him. And they definitely were always mad about not being around the baby. But since I moved back with my parents, I have been struggling mentally and have been so desperate to be around others (bc leaving abuse made me feel really alone) so I have opened up a little. This thanksgiving, my mom wanted us to go to my dad’s side, so we did. And I even asked her what my grandma on her side was doing and she claimed she didn’t know. But then today, someone mentioned that her side DID have thanksgiving, specifically so that my grandma wouldn’t be alone. When I asked my mom, she said some shit like “oh, well we were already late to the other side” and “I thought you were scheduled to work (she definitely knew I wasn’t as my work lets me just work whenever I can for MONTHS NOW 🙄 ) so at least I watched the kids for you”.

I’m just having mixed emotions. I’m already sad about having to leave abuse and try to adjust to that. And now I feel so angry that I’m being lied to and manipulated (I feel, anyways) into being around people who have been abusive to me in the past, when I could’ve been around family who is helpful to me. Especially since that side of the family had family who hasn’t celebrated in years because of covid and they finally celebrated this year.