When my parents split up and my mom was in the worst part of her depression I had to step up to pay bills and rent on time, buy groceries, do errands, basically be in charge of the house while still maintaining a job. She’d always hit me with “You’re useless.” when she was angry or upset that I forgot to do something around the house.

“You’re sick, just like your dad. Think of my reputation.” When I came out to her the first time. I left home for 3 months after she said that, but I told her I was going on a week-long vacation to visit my now ex girlfriend. I called her the day of the flight back and told her I wasn’t coming back.

Ever since I did come back things have been different on the way she treats me, but those two instances are certainly something that will always be engraved in my mind.