Didn’t expect these feelings at this age
I learned about emotional neglect a few years ago in therapy, but never really came to terms with the idea that my mom was emotionally neglectful. Fast forward to this year… I told my mom this summer that I was divorcing my husband of 20 years because he’s an alcoholic who won’t get help. She has not called me once since then to check in on me. I just want to feel cared for while going through this incredibly hard time, but nothing. There have been a few texts asking how my kids are doing but nothing for me. She knew I was alone on Thanksgiving without my kids for the first time but that didn’t even warrant a call.
I’m almost 50, but this is bringing up so many feelings that must have been how I felt as a kid wanting emotional support. (I don’t remember my childhood much.) The worst part is that my instinct is that I must be doing something wrong. I’m constantly questioning what I did to cause her to act this way. Wondering why I’m so unlovable. I expected divorce to be hard for so many other reasons - this has really crept up on me unexpectedly.
Posted Dec 3, 2025, 1:47 AM UTC