My mother is one of the least supportive people in my life. Constantly putting up barriers between me and the independancy I seek, and simultaneously threatening me to succeed in my school and career path while doubting and telling me that I ever will.

I have been forbidden from dating up until recently (I am 19) and yet I am too scared to approach her to ask if I can date a guy who returns the feelings that I have for him. Every day, without fail, my mother finds a reason to get incredibly angry with me.

Today she picked an argument with me with absolutely no provocation, resulting in me crying (I cry when under extreme stress, unluckily). She mocked me and then stormed away, returning to me hours later with an “apology”- from which ensued another lecture and more belittling of me.

The only reason I can put up with her is the massive amount of love and support I get from my dad and my sister (the preferred daughter). I feel guilty for not succeeding and being a good enough daughter to avoid my mother’s beration, but I feel equally as disgusted with her behaviour.

She justifies her actions by saying she loves me, but I’m doubtful that I love her back, anymore. I’m not sure if that makes me terrible and/or ungrateful, but it’s the truth.