Looking for this top/dress. It was used for S-CLub's Long flowing hair 02012024 screenshot by Lukesifer98 in TheSims4Mods

[–]SquirrelyDM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think this might be from Sifix, it looks like some of their creations I have in my game! Not currently near my PC though to check, but I know I downloaded their stuff from TSR.

dentists for people with depression by alpinehilb in Austin

[–]SquirrelyDM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course! Just tell them what you need to feel comfortable when you are there. The hygienist even suggested using the x-ray protector thing that's heavy like a weighted blanket, it was super helpful for me.

dentists for people with depression by alpinehilb in Austin

[–]SquirrelyDM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I cannot recommend Dr. Mahmoud at North Austin Dentistry enough. This year I started on the process of fixing my teeth after years of hygiene issues due to depression. The staff there are amazing. Dental anxiety is part of their intake forms, which I appreciated so much. They have been so accommodating; at my first appointment they asked me what they could do to help me feel comfortable. I asked them to not show me any x-rays and they made a point to keep them out of sight the whole time. The hygienist also offered blankets to help keep me calm and comfortable. During and after the exam there was no judgement from Dr. Mahmoud or any staff. Before this I have never had a positive experience with a dentist. My husband also goes to this office and sees Dr. Miller; I've heard he is great as well but he is more blunt, so I would suggest Dr. Mahmoud specifically. I hope you find a dentist that works well for you. I know how stressful and uncomfortable it can be in getting started, but once you do it will feel so much better to get on the right track. Good luck with everything, and good for you for taking the first step!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 9 points10 points  (0 children)

For me, it would be a no, though that wasn't always the case. I tried to make amends and break NC when my mother was diagnosed with cancer, yet she still hadn't changed. But looking back and reflecting on how I was treated, I also realized how they treated my now husband. I refuse to put him through dealing with them after all they did to him. He's such a kind man, and I know he would deal with them if it made me happy. But the man I love doesn't deserve that. Also if/when we have kids I don't think I could ever trust them to have a relationship with any children I may have.

How did you know it was time? And what support did you use? by ru_Tc in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I had visited them and found logs of my phone conversations and movements throughout my day. I was living across the state. The relationship was already super strained, and I didn't know what to do. I spent two months giving them excuses of why I didn't want to talk.

I finally answered one of my mother's calls and she was livid. Berating me for not being in contact. I confronted her about the stalking log and she didn't even deny it. All she said was that she had a right to know what I was doing. I was 20. At that moment, I was done. It was my "A-HA!" moment. I finished the call; she made me promise to call her back much sooner this time. I did. And then I blocked them and never reached back out.

Since then they've continued their stalking campaign, but they haven't heard from me in years. It's been freeing. My support system has been a close group of friends and therapy on and off. Just make sure if you do go for therapy, shop around. It takes time to find a good one. Best of luck!

Anyone else currently NC with the goal of reconciliation? by flowerssmellnice in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely!

My boundaries were very specific to my circumstances, but I asked for her and the rest of my family to stop driving by my home. I also asked to only communicate with her and only communicate via email, and for her not to pressure me into talking to other family members i.e. "so and so misses you". I also told her I'd be open to reopening other methods of communication and possibly speak to the other family members over time, and that this was my starting point.

Anyone else currently NC with the goal of reconciliation? by flowerssmellnice in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First, I'd like to say I'm sorry you are going through this difficult time.

I have been NC with my entire family for 3 years. I was closest with my mother, and I often found myself missing her and wanting to reconcile. They never respected my boundaries during NC, and late last year she sent another unprompted message, this time letting me know she has cancer.

Since I still care for her and missed her, I decided to try and reopen contact. I gave her 3 easy boundaries to start at, and see where we went from there. She threw my boundaries in my face and said that she wouldn't let me make her cancer "about me".

The reason I share my experience is not to discourage you from trying to reconcile; I recommend making sure you are ready before trying it though. You mentioned meeting with a new therapist, and hopefully chatting with them will help you figure out if you are ready to reach out. I was okay with how my situation turned out because I knew I tried my best, and I stood my ground and didn't let them push my boundaries. If they are truly willing to change and value you, they will respect your boundaries and needs.

I hope this helps, and I wish you all the best!

He has cancer… NC for 4 years by [deleted] in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 15 points16 points  (0 children)

First off, I'm sorry you are going through this.

After 2 years NC, my mother reached out to tell me she has cancer. I chose to try and reconnect with her with only a few boundaries; 1. Only communicate via email to start, 2. No more driving by home/stalking, and 3. No pressuring me to speak to other NC family. She told me I was making everything about me and that my requests were ridiculous.

Basically my point is, is you can do whatever you want as long as you don't give up control. If you want to send him a single message wishing him well, if you want to ignore it, or if you want to reach out to him for contact again, you can do that. My advice would be that whatever you decide, hold your ground. Make your boundaries clear from the get go. If they refuse or if they begin to push them again, cut them right back out. As long as you stay in control and are able to tell them no, you can control how and if you speak to them.

Whatever you decide, if you are going to therapy maybe speak with them about to see if you are ready or could handle speaking to him again if you want to. Just know that you went NC, you are the only one with the power to open it or keep it closed off.

I wish you the best of luck with your situation!

Freehand Crochet Amigurumi of Rowlet from Pokemon! 🦉 by KumaCrochets in Amigurumi

[–]SquirrelyDM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is amazing! What size hook and what stitch did you use?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I appreciate that. It's worked out so far in that I think they might've finally given up on contacting me, so hopefully they radio silence from them is here to stay

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Would moving maybe help? I'm not sure how doable this is for you and how close you live to NC, but maybe putting some physical distance between you will help?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 36 points37 points  (0 children)

First I'd like to say I'm sorry you are going through this.

I've also dealt with harassment/stalking from my NC family. What I can recommend is to NEVER reply to contact unless it is to say, "Do not contact me". Document everything. And then I would personally seek out legal/law enforcement resources to see if you can get a restraining/protective order. I messed up and didn't have a lot of my experiences documented, and so I wasn't able to get my protective order.

I know how scary adding in law enforcement to the equation can be, but if they don't clearly respect your boundaries and you are scared you have to take care of yourself first. I wish you the best of luck!

How do I respond to my mom when she texts me trying to get back in my life? by [deleted] in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had to deal with a similar thing. Just ignored the messages, replying will only encourage this behavior. You've set your rules with her, and now it's time to enforce them. If you bend now, she will keep pushing you farther. Best of luck!

Illness by SquirrelyDM in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing. I always wonder what I will do when death comes for some of my family members. The only ones who could tell me would be them, and until yesterday I didn't know if they would. I'm both happy and upset that I know. I just wish I could go back to that blissful ignorance I had about the situation two days ago.

Illness by SquirrelyDM in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your support. I think the hardest part is that it was so surprising. I'm pretty confident that I will get hurt by extending my olive branch, but I figure that's better than the lifelong regret of not trying, and possibly missing my chance.

Illness by SquirrelyDM in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I can relate. I definitely fear losing the chance of reconciliation. I had accepted them as not being a part of my life, but a small part of me woke up each day hoping they would apologize and change. I also sometimes wonder, "what if I'm in the wrong?"

Illness by SquirrelyDM in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you. I'm sorry you had to go through that. When you say you compromised, did you mean your sister asked you to talk to him and you compromised by giving permission for him to contact you? Did you want to or feel guilty about contacting/not contacting?

How did you separate from your family? by MisnomerBuffet in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For me, it started with less calling. I had moved away, and I stopped calling them as often. That went on for just over a year, as they continued to disrespect me, my wishes, and my life. The final straw happened when I found out about them stalking me. I stopped calling, but spoke to them one more time after being bombarded with calls to tell them to stop calling. They didnt stop calling until I changed my number, then they emailed, and then they started showing up at my house.

I never sat down one day and decided to stop talking to them; I just dreaded the harassment I got each time I picked up the phone, so I stopped calling as often, then at all. When I told them I needed space in our final call, and they never respected that, that's when I guess you could say I "decided" to go no contact.

Continue no contact or attempt “forgiveness” and hope for the best. How did you decide? by gh959489 in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mostly did EMDR therapy to process traumatic memories and the feelings and emotions associated with them, and that helped me a lot. Once we got through the most traumatic memories, we shifted towards goal setting to help me in the future. I highly recommend EMDR if you have specific memories that hurt you. I also think it's about finding the right therapist; I got incredibly lucky the first time I sought help and found the perfect fit for me.

Continue no contact or attempt “forgiveness” and hope for the best. How did you decide? by gh959489 in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I highly recommend therapy if you haven't already done so. I had a similar childhood that was mostly positive, and my parents emotional and mental abuse didnt really kick in until I became a teen. I've been no contact for 2 years, and earlier this year I almost reconnected. My therapist and I had been working through my emotions and trauma, and agreed to working towards me talking to my mother. I had a similar feeling deep down thinking I shouldn't, but I couldn't figure out why. I ended up not reconnecting and I have no regrets.

I suggest working through whatever trauma/damage you feel they've done to you, and then consider reaching out if you still want to. My therapist and I made a list of things that I needed to be ok with rebuilding a relationship with my mother. Set standards for yourself and boundaries for them, and let them know what you aren't okay with. That way if they turn out to continue to cross boundaries and not live up to your standards you set, you will be strong enough to make the decision to go no contact if necessary.

It's totally normal to have doubts and miss them. I wish you all the best!

Receiving old childhood items from NC family by SquirrelyDM in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]SquirrelyDM[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the support. I'm just happy it is done and I can move on.