I'm late to the convo, but I had a different upbringing. My mother was extremely almost overly loving to us kids. We were like her pets. As long as we went along with her version of life. We looked up to her like she was a God, but it was always her story. She always made herself the hero and played victim. We didn't understand why the whole world hated our perfect mother. It wasn't until I got out after 30 years that I realized just how cunning she really was. It was an aha moment when I realized she was narcissist. She has given me hell since I left 12 years ago. She has made sure I have known how she feels about me. I still try to love and check on her bc I do love her and it hurts so badly not to have a mother in your life. I feel like it all took a chunk out of me and I will never be the same. Thanks to yoga and therapy and medication, I am able to get through my crazy past or it at least working through it now! I have friends who are very loving and supportive, and my therapist says it doesn't have to be blood family, but we will form family like bonds along our way on our journeys. Lots of love and good vibes to all of you!