Random stuffness

[sparkindarkness]

So another holiday in which I largely avoided family (well, there was an awkward awkward dinner involving Beloved’s parents, a sadly overcooked piece of lamb and all the pre-bought things that I normally shun. But I was polite and they were polite and it was such a very polite affair. Like the kind of dinner one would expect to have if, say, you

Comments

[spinsterwithin]

Family really does suck sometimes, I am sorry you have to deal with not only your brothers crossing of that line but his obliviousness to it as well.

As for Beloved, he can pretend that the woodworking never happened but you really should remember and remind him of it the next time he starts to develop a new hobby.

[gwyd]

Stay strong. I remember how toxic your extended family is. You absolutely shouldn't let anyone guilt you into making the first move. Yes, if they were to reach out with sincere apologies that include a demonstration of how fucked up their behavior was then maybe, I mean maybe, a very limited amount of contact might be acceptable, but only with the understanding that you'd be bringing Beloved and leaving the moment someone pulled out the asshole card. I'd be wary even then.

Under no circumstances should you do anything like apologise unilaterally, because that's just permission for them to bring on the emotional abuse.

You deserve better. So much better.

[bugeyedmonster]

Perhaps Beloved can take up wood sculpting? And there are folks who paid lots of money for modern art sculptures that look like 3D ink blots.

And your family sounds poisonous. I remember one of my Grandmas tearing into someone for playing favorites with their kids. This was the laid back grandma who never seemed to get upset over anything. Just that first part where you mention about how you and brother change places in family favor unnerved me.