Many grandparents are wise, playful, and loving. But sometimes, the dynamic can go very wrong, especially when the relationship between parent and grandparent is already breaking down. In these cases, grandparents may bypass their adult children entirely and focus solely on the grandchildren. This makes grandkids the new battleground, and can create new tension and resentment with the parents.

Five years in, I can honestly say: estrangement didn’t just make me “okay.” It made me better than I could have imagined. It cracked my world open. Without the constant twisting and confusion, I can think clearly. I can breathe. I can trust myself.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a diagnosis listed in the DSM. But when most people say narcissist, they’re not diagnosing—they’re describing a pattern of harm. We use descriptive labels all the time without formal diagnoses.

We tell ourselves, “They must not realize. Otherwise they wouldn’t…” But the horrible truth is- they do know. Because if they can behave well sometimes… it means it’s a choice.

What truly shook Dr. Peck — and what felt so validating to me — was how these parents presented. They weren’t physically violent. They weren’t withholding food or shelter. In fact, they often looked like model citizens: well-dressed, respected, church-going, professionally successful. And yet behind the mask, they were emotionally barren. They refused to see their children’s pain. They denied responsibility at every turn. They gaslit, manipulated, and rewrote reality mid-s

I was constantly told I was selfish. Mean. Hurtful. That my behavior was proof I didn’t love them—and therefore, I didn’t deserve love in return. No matter what I did, I couldn’t win. The more I tried to earn their love, the more I reinforced the belief that it was mine to earn. It’s a trap many of us fall into: thinking that if we love hard enough, we’ll finally get the kind of love we’ve always longed for.

What happens next is almost always the same: the family acts stunned.“What happened?” “Where did this come from?” But for us, it didn’t come out of nowhere. We’ve been explaining ourselves for years. They just weren’t listening. And now, suddenly, because we’ve shut the door… they’re banging on it in panic. Sometimes that response—of confusion, anger, denial—is worse than the original hurt. Because it proves they still haven’t heard a word.

Relationships should be built on connection—not coercion. If threats, intimidation, or guilt are stopping you from walking away, that’s not love. That’s control. Fear of leaving is one of the biggest warning signs that a relationship isn’t just strained—it’s unsafe.

When you try to pull away, the guilt can be overwhelming. Grey rocking might look like setting a boundary. But inside it can feel like betrayal.

Let me be blunt: expecting people who’ve survived decades of family abuse to suddenly, clearly, and calmly articulate their needs to the very people who caused that abuse? That’s fantasy. It’s not that we don’t want to communicate. It’s that we’ve been taught not to. Conditioned not to. Punished when we did.

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Chessie. She had an older sister, Goldie, and they lived with their mum and dad in a...

When you try to create distance or step away from a controlling family, the reaction can be extreme. Suddenly, you’re labeled ungrateful, disrespectful, or even a "bad" family member. The fear of rejection and the risk of being shunned makes it even harder to break free from their control.

People who experience this kind of social anxiety are often deeply caring, thoughtful, and empathetic. But when you've been made to feel like you’re “too much” or “not enough” over and over again, especially in social situations, your brain starts to scan for danger every time you're around others.

I received your message. I understand that you’re feeling like we need some time apart, and I will respect it. I love you, and when you’re ready, I’m here to talk.

There’s a common argument floating around that if you're estranged from your family, you shouldn't expect any inheritance. But this perspective is far too simplistic and fails to capture the complexities of estrangement and the deeper family dynamics at play. Estrangement isn’t always a clear-cut, voluntary choice, and inheritance can be tied to much deeper issues of power, control, and harm within families.

Low contact might seem like a manageable solution—keeping in touch occasionally, maybe sending birthday cards, or checking in during...

It was the first time I remember being acknowledged for something positive, something good about me.

In an ideal situation, a good step-parent is supportive, patient, and understands their role within the family structure. But if not....

If you have a parent who only wants to hear about your successes, happy moments, or positive updates, this is another sign of low commitment

I’ve never felt a genuine desire for connection based on mutual respect and understanding.