What to say when loved ones invalidate and compare me to able-bodied people
My (41f) oldest daughter (21) is highly critical of the fact I can’t keep the house clean and that sometimes I am too fatigued to do things.
She has compared me to her boyfriend’s 84 year old grandmother who keeps a perfectly clean house and mows her own yard with a riding lawnmower. She has compared me to a lady at her gym that has only one leg but does workouts. She thinks that if they can do those things I can certainly keep a cleaner house.
She claims I am letting fibromyalgia define me. She thinks I am using it as a crutch and an excuse to be in bed (I am not always in bed; I push myself a lot to not stay in bed).
I am incredibly hurt. I already feel so alone with this. I do not have much support. I am single and she and my other daughter 18) still live with me. My younger daughter doesn’t share the same feelings and perspectives and is more supportive.
The oldest just recently started doing her own laundry but leaves it all in baskets in the living room along with boxes of other stuff. Her belongings are also all over the couch. I work 40 hours a week and try really hard to keep up with the house but neither daughter helps with chores.
I hurt so much and I am always so tired. Lately it’s that fibro flu feeling too. I hate it. I feel so defeated and emotionally hurt. No one in my family seems to understand. My mother has made similar remarks behind my back. I envy people who have a village/tribe behind them. I have myself.
Any advice or encouraging words accepted but please nothing critical towards me. I am already too low and hurt as it is.
Posted Jun 30, 2025, 3:19 AM UTC