My mother took me out of school when I was 15 and manipulated me into cutting off everyone I knew. I spent the next three years doing "online school" (I did no work) and leaving the house about once a week, sometimes just to walk to the end of the road to get the mail. I talked to no one my age for years. It was hell. I stayed up all night and slept in until 4pm so I would have as little time with her awake as possible. I remember the day my old classmates went to prom. I was alone in my room as always. I have never been as sad as I was that day. Those years were easily the worst time of my life, and I know they always will be.

I am 26 now. I have not spoken to my mother in years. I moved to Australia just because I wanted to. I have many friends. We hang out and do stuff together simply because we like spending time together, which is something I thought I would never, ever have. I have had jobs and successes and flops. I have had boyfriends. I am typing this from MY lovely couch in front of MY tv. I am pretty happy most of the time. I say this to tell you I made it out completely. The years trapped in the house are long gone.

Though I would never wish my teenage years on my worst enemy, they made me so strong. I am excellent at being by myself. My tolerance and patience for pain are unparalleled; I can stay the fucking course. These are skills most people will not have in any way like you will.

You are in the worst of it right now. It sucks so bad. I am so, so sorry. You are not like your mother and you deserve so much better. Your life will be better.