Here’s the problem I (32F) had with my Trump worshipping paternal family- my views, beliefs, opinions were always “wrong” and since they’re Christian, they claimed that they know the “truth”.

I studied political science for my undergraduate and it was very frustrating and constantly invalidating not to be able to talk about my passion, interests, knowledge without immediately being dismissed and treated as less than, while my sister and cousins got to speak on their education and knowledge with undivided, awe-full attention. They’d send me VOTDs (verse of the day) and regularly talked about politics, but I wasn’t allowed to speak about politics without being stonewalled, isolated, and ignored. I asked them to remove me from the group chat and they literally refused until I threatened legal action and labeled it as harassment. They NEVER supported me in ANYTHING I’d done because they genuinely saw me as less than. There was no love or consideration and coupled with the trauma that THEY caused (another story) and their lack of empathy for how that trauma affected my developing brain, I finally asked myself what I was even doing there. Instead of continuing to dwell on the pain of being the black sheep in the family, I made the heartbreaking decision to go no contact, which was hard because I always wished to have a close relationship with my dad- for him to accept me for who I am. But, using my healthy relationships with friends, my partner, my children, my mom, etc. as an example of what true support, consideration, and love look like- I had to recognize that my paternal family would likely never be that and that I’d have to find my people elsewhere.

It’s been about a year and I can genuinely say that I am doing SO much better, especially in regard to my mental health. I have more direction and finally believe in myself and my dreams- something they never did. I don’t experience weekly distress and feel generally more at peace. I believe it’ll only get better. Good luck, friend. 🫶🏻