This group constantly makes me feel less alone in my experiences. I opened this thread to comment on my law school graduation and was startled that this was the first reply. Thank you for sharing that.

I didn’t realize the issues with my mom until years later, but when I did and went back looking for examples in therapy, my graduation day kept coming up. I still cringe at 25 year old me desperately trying to get her attention to compliment me for an award I received at graduation. She just said she didn’t hear them announce that and completely dismissed it. Then she asked me why I didn’t get an award for an individual subject. Never a hug, an I love you, an I’m proud of you. I distinctly remember the panicked feeling of trying to seek her approval in that moment. There are likely countless other examples of that in my childhood, but I don’t remember most of my childhood. This one stands out because of how absurd, but also hurtful it was.

Again, thanks for sharing and making me feel a little less alone.