Sent.

[phirefly]

Waited until Christmas had passed, as a matter of respect so that the holiday wasn't further ruined, but I finally emailed my mom today. It's difficult to be both angry and diplomatic, but I did try, at least, to not be needlessly mean or sarcastic. It's not nice, though. I apologized for as much as I could apologize for, but made it clear that I

Comments

[doc_smiley]

Soak the bridge in gas and hand out free matches?

[phirefly]

I suspect that wouldn't be so easy for you to say if we were talking about your mother. If she weren't my mother, yeah, sure, no problem. I've got a grow the fuck up or get the fuck out policy, generally speaking. It's hard to apply that rule to this particular person. That's the real trouble with this mess. She isn't just someone I like having around. She's my *mom*.

[doc_smiley]

My apologies if that came across as as "put up or shut up."
My humor-to-lighten-the-mood needs a little work, it seems.

You have my best wishes for a satisfactory outcome. I'm not sure there is anything I can do to help, but if there is let me know.

Family

[storiedman]

Family is in a category all it's own. It doesn't fit in with our relationships of choice, it's just there, accept it or not.

It sounds like you're walking the tightrope well. Just keep at it. She'll come around if she believes you care enough to keep trying to work this out. And do what you can to route the communication on this through yourself.

Maintaining a consistent tone is important in order to make progress. I've seen situations where you think you're on the verge of a breakthrough and another player gets involved and gets everyone worked up and defensive again. Do what you can to minimize that scenario if possible.

For what's it worth, I think you've struck a good balance.

Best-

Joe