I'll keep this as brief as possible, but a disclaimer before I start: I still have to live in the same house as her for another 3 years.
The woman is insane. She's the typical feminist. She's raised me to be a complete beta simp, and uptil recently, I was one of those white knights. She's very controlling, micromanages everything, has no tolerance for any concept of privacy ("if you don't tell me about it, then you're hiding it on purpose, and that means you're doing something you know is wrong and you're guilty."). She's paranoid when she doesn't get her way and my dad is always telling me to listen to her when she gets angry because if I don't, she'll turn into the devil. [Dad sees her for what she is but he's stuck in this marriage and this family. Has often told me to run away once I'm done with my education and never look back.]
She wants me to do exactly what she says and I have to keep her constantly updated. She wants to see proof that I've done it, so it's not enough that I say I have. She's constantly on my case, complaining about what I'm not doing right, which is basically everything.
Tl dr; My mom is a controlling, micromanaging, insane feminist who has, with her dumb parenting, ruined my personality and childhood with bullshit ideals and a false impression of the world. How do I find myself and get away from her madness while I'm stuck with her for the next three years?
Edit: Culturally unacceptable to move out whenever I want. [No provision for such a circumstance because I live in a small semi-urban town in a third world country with no part time jobs available or any other income source that I can think of.]
Edit 2: I'm looking for more of advice on behaviour and strategy in dealing with her than of advice on how to run away from home, really.
jkp99 6y ago
It’s a question of frame.
All of it is. You believe that you cannot move out. You accept a frame that has been given to you.
You at this point, do not possess the personal power and the creativity to think up your own frame.
That is understandable, after what sounds like a crazy family, in a crazy country in a crazy time and considering that you are only 18.
It still is a fact.
You are living in the frame of your mother, your town, your society.
There are many ways to improve your situation according to your own standards - things you can do, to increase your freedom.
All of them involve increasing your personal freedom. Your inner power to say no to what you do not want.
You do not need to leave home, you do not need to do anything to your mother, you do not have to change any of your circumstances, but you do need to change the way you look at them.
You are presenting us the image of an angry little boy, not a strong, indifferent men in an ugly circumstance.
And I am sure you have your reasons. God knows how much injustice you have lived through.
Still. The power lies within you to change. You do not have to move out, but you do need to understand that you are free and if you stay you do it voluntarily because you do not want to pay the price of leaving. Possibly that price would be actually very low and the choice would be rewarding. Possibly you would face starvation, suppression, or possibly even physical abuse or worse.
You need to grow your personal power. You need to stop caring, no matter if you stay or if you go. I would get into victor frankl’s work on “Men in search of meaning” and Stoisism.
Read the sidebar, read 48 powers of law, take it slow. Understand: you always get in life what you really want.
You, my friend, beaten and bruised, are missing the imagination to dream up, what it is, you really want.
When you say you cannot leave- you are saying I don’t dare to. Because the reward, cannot, possibly, be worth the price.
And both the reward, and the price to pay, are in your head.
Good luck to you, keep at it. Don’t underestimate what you can achieve in 10 years of tiny steps.
[deleted] 6y ago
This sparked change in me. Thank you for sharing.
Goal10der 6y ago
Amazing post. A++
[deleted] 6y ago
Thank you so much for this! I think you're on to something there, it's very possible that you're right.
I'd like to spend some time dwelling on what you've pointed out. Also, I'll surely check out Victor Franklin's work and dig deeper into stoicism.
I've been reading the 48 laws of power for the past few weeks and it's what fed me my first red pill dose. I definitely have a long way to go though, I know I'm just starting out.
I'll get back to you once I've spent some time on what you've said. Maybe I'll PM you if I need more clarification.
Thank you, again. Appreciate it.
babybopp 6y ago
Also start working out. If you have no access to a gym, start slowly by jogging daily. It will be something she cannot hold against you. And do it consistently and daily. Push ups are examples of exercises that dont need money. Your body changes believe me so will her attitude towards u
[deleted] 6y ago
I did try out the gym for a month recently and I loved it. But my mom complains that I'm tired out after the gym and don't do any work after, although there actually is no change except the fact that I'm spending an hour or two working out rather than asleep in bed. But yeah, I don't go to the gym anymore. :/
I'll try working out at home as much as possible, let's see how it goes. I can finish my routine before she wakes up, so she can't even interrupt or say anything.
DarkSkinKakarot_ 6y ago
If you have a smartphone download the fitbod app. Gives you exercises you can do at home without weights.
[deleted] 6y ago
Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out.
MattyAnon Admin 6y ago
Pretend to go along with it and spend as much time out of the house as possible.
She's mental, I doubt a strong frame will work because you don't have the option to leave (although you really really reallyyyyyyyyyy should)
[deleted] 6y ago
Yeah, that's my plan for now. Thank you for your input. :)
69Cobalt 6y ago
I was in a very similar situation and the biggest breakthrough for me was two things :
1) figure out what she wants,not what she says she wants. She bitches non stop about you not doing enough chores? She wants to feel like you're contributing. She wants to know what you're doing when you go out? She wants you to be safe under her wing. Always try to figure out the root emotion and deal with that, I've made my mother happy not doing what she said at all,but treating the emotion itself,you're both happy,which brings to my second point
2) there is no winning or losing. Winning is you both being happy. If you frame it as trying to win,one of you is going to feel like a loser. You want solutions that make you both happy and when she starts to feel your solutions are good for both of you and not selfish she will trust you more. Look for compromises on things you don't mind compromising on. Always look for middle grounds and alternative solutions,don't frame it as you vs her.
She will sense that you're trying to figure out what's best for both of you ; if it's genuine it will come off in your tone,demeanor and later actions.
NPR_is_not_that_bad 6y ago
Hey man I’ll accept the fact you have to stay with your family for 3 years. I disagree completely with these guys. especially if you’re going to school, you can’t just “get a job and move out”. Shits expensive and you should focus on your studies.
My thoughts: Dude you’re 18. I know it’s hard to think in this perspective now, but you have your whole life ahead of you.
Don’t focus as much on trp until your life is in order. Focus on grades, career, financial independence and building yourself.
Second, be nice to your family. I was just like you when I was 18 and hated things my parents did. Even now at 27 I still think they did me wrong. But dude they could kick you out if they wanted. They raised you, feed you, provide for you, do everything. Give them a break if they’re a little overbearing and a little much. I’m sure they are just trying to help even if it’s a little misguided. Give love and obedience, show them you’re becoming a man, and it’ll get better.
Stay strong man. Be good to your family. Lift, set up your career, and I promise you’ll be in a great place soon!
[deleted] 6y ago
Thank you, man, I love that you brought a fresh perspective into this. You've got some solid points and I'll take some time to dwell on what you've said.
Thank you for taking the time, I appreciate it.
[deleted] 6y ago
Don't listen to him go to r/raisedbynarcissists. My mom is a piece of shit too and my friends who don't know her just say "but she loves you man, be nice to her." Nah. Some of those women just go crazy, they were never fit to reproduce. Just because you got knocked up doesn't mean you are a good person or want the best for the kid. I went through the same situation having to live with a single mom through my college years cause I couldn't afford to go to school and move out. It sucks but once I get my degree I'll go no contact.
FlyingSexistPig 6y ago
She sounds like a typical mother.
You are 18 and can't really start your life (move out) until you're 21.
3 years is a tiny tiny portion of what your life is going to be. So, I'll give you the exact same advice that everyone gives everyone here: Focus on improving yourself.
Lift. If you can't get a gym membership, then do pushups and situps. I don't know if you're thin or fat, but lifting is always a good thing. Run if you're fat, eat if you're skinny.
Focus on your studies. True learning is hard and takes work. These three years that you have, living at home, are a blessing. You don't have bills to pay so your time cam be focused on your self improvement.
You building muscle will make your mother respect you a lot more than she does right now. It might sound silly, but she's hardwired to do this. If you think of her conscious thought as the highest level, and subconscious thought as the level below that, with instinct below, then this is instinct.
[deleted] 6y ago
I hear what you're saying. Thank you for the clear, structured advice. It makes a difference. I'll take what you said to heart and get my shit together.
Appreciate you taking the time. :)
youcantdenythat 6y ago
Life's a bitch. Man up and do what you have to do. Even if it involves obeying your mother for 3 years.
Learn what you can from her. She knows some shit that you don't. Yeah she might be wrong about some stuff, you'll have to figure that out as you go, but try it her way anyway. The truth will come out in the end.
Once she sees that you can follow her direction, she will slowly start to ease up and trust you more.
I find that most women will argue with you until they think you agree with them. Then will drop it. The words "I understand" go a long way.
[deleted] 6y ago
There's real wisdom here. Thank you for taking the time, I appreciate it!
youcantdenythat 6y ago
Oh, one more thing. If you know someone is wrong about something, instead of arguing about it: ask questions.
Try to figure out the right questions to ask to get them to find the error of their ways. If they get mad then stop, but if they have any intelligence then you might just get them to understand why they are wrong.
This can be very hard to do, but if you can master it, you will achieve an important life skill: diplomacy.
Google the Socratic method for more info
[deleted] 6y ago
That sounds like a crucial skill to have. How long have you been practicing that and how has it worked out for you so far? I'd love to hear some personal experience.
youcantdenythat 6y ago
I use it daily in my work. It works great with both subordinates and the executives that are above me. It allows me manage them all effectively while keeping them happy at the same time.
I discovered it about 3 years ago and I would say it's helped tremendously in interactions with a conflicting nature. May have even gotten me promoted.
Boss: Our servers are having issues, they are under too much load.
Me: There is a crappy piece of software that's causing it.
Boss: no, it's because they are under too much load.
Me: Can you show me where there is too much load?
Boss: um.. I'll get back to you
Me: ok
Then I go get the developers to fix the crappy software and everyone is happy.
fnordsnord 6y ago
deleted ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^0.7863 ^^^What ^^^is ^^^this?
[deleted] 6y ago
In my country, you don't just join the army. I'm not sure what it's like in yours, but here, joining the army is a career in its own, and I'm pretty sure there's a completely different lane I'd have to follow to get in the army. I won't lie to you, I know little on how the system works myself, but if it means anything, I don't know of a single person who's been in the army or wants to at some point, so I'd say joining the army is not even a thing in the here and now. (Maybe because the only countries we share borders with are way up in the north and I live way down in the south with coasts on either side?)
But I totally hear what you're saying when you say I don't HAVE to and that I'm choosing to. I think that's the underlying message you're trying to convey and I agree that I have to own my shit and start taking responsibility.
Throndor_Rising 6y ago
Stop blaming your mother for everything you don't like about your life. You're an adult now. This means you get to shape and choose your own reality. You sound like an insolent little fuckwad. Alexander the Great was already conquering civilizations at your age. Do you think he sat around blaming his mother for "loving" him too much or "not loving" him enough?
The best part of growing up is realizing its your turn to prove you can do it better than your parents did. Until then, stfu and focus on developing yourself as a man.
Aside from the whiny undertones, most of the issue you describe can be addressed by simply telling your mother, "Look, Mom. I appreciate everything you've done to ensure my success as an adult, but I think that I need to learn how to address my responsibilities firsthand and on my own from here on out, if I'm ever going to become the man I intend to be." If she starts harping on you after, simply walk away, you've stated your position.
[deleted] 6y ago
Thank you for the tough love. Points taken. I do admit I was being a little whiny and ranting because I was all worked up when I wrote this post.
[deleted]
Herdsengineers 6y ago
One - I understand feeling stuck for 3 years, but I bet there's a way out. Even if it's something like moving overseas to study as part of a study abroad program? Seriously - you mentioned a false impression of the world given by your mother? Give some thought to developing a stronger open mind and even if it's against cultural norms, how can you get out sooner? Social and cultural norms shouldn't be part of keeping you in a bad place.
Two - while you're still there, "grey rock" and "BIFF" her. Grey rock means be as interesting as a grey rock. Be unemotional, unengaging, no emotional stimulation or reaction to her. BIFF is brief, informative, friendly, factual. It means don't get mixed up in long discussions, keep things simple in your interactions with her. Keep the details out of things. You'll have to develop what we call "frame", or I think another word for it is "composure". Stay calm in the face of challenge and difficulty created by her, and stay boring. The emotional reactions only feed her and encourage her to keep acting as she does.
Find some kind of job outside the home. Be it working part time at the university or whereever you are going for education or just helping someone local cook at an eatery, anything at all.
It adds up to reduced interaction and the interaction that does happen is very low in emotional stimulation. Be boring to her. Present a low target profile basically.
[deleted] 6y ago
Thank you for the input!
One - Yeah, internships and exchange programs abroad are good options. I'm working on my grades right now, which will help me get those opportunities.
Two - I think I overdo the unengaging and unemotional part. She feels I'm shutting her out and that she's losing control, which is also driving her paranoid. I guess there's a balance between being informative and friendly and unengaging and unemotional that I haven't quite mastered yet.
I haven't heard of the term BIFF before though, so thank you for that, I'll look into it!
Reduced interaction, low emotional stimulation. Gotcha. Thanks!
mrpthrowa 6y ago
This is such bullshit. I don't believe this is true in any place in the world.
[deleted] 6y ago
First world countries assuming the rest of the world operates by their rules and their customs and refusing to believe that there could possibly be towns out there with communities that don't function quite like yours does. What else is new?
Frankly, it's annoying that you think I'd rather create bullshit here when I'm desparately trying to find my way out of this. Why would I do that? To rationalize my fear of change? To cover up the 'fact' that I'm secretly enjoying the comfort and resources and lack of responsibility that comes with still living at home? What's your theory?
I can accept that you're sceptical about my situation. What I can't accept is that you believe it can't possibly be true for any place in the world. Man, get out of your little hole and look at the world. We don't all live in air conditioned homes and have the opportunity to order food before we even reach the fucking restaurant. Grow up.
mrpthrowa 6y ago
Fuck off, I'm from a third world shithole, have spent a considerable amount of time in 5 countries, 3 of which are third world, and have left my home at 16 years and never had my dad pay a penny for me since, now earning 6 figures+.
Meanwhile I watch shit lords like you back where I grew up still living with their parents at 30+ and crying out that their families won't give them money and jobs and what not.
It's your shit attitude that's holding you back. Every fucking third world person who cries about not being able to leave home at 18 has proved to be a useless lazy bastard anyway. There is virtually no country where you cannot do that.
[deleted] 6y ago
Firstly, I'm only 18 and I'm not asking or complaining that I'm not getting money or jobs handed to me. If you check my main post, it's about how to deal with my mother a.k.a. in my interactions with her while living in the same house.
Secondly, I'm sorry if I offended you, but I was hoping we could discuss this in a calm and reasonable manner. I agree I played a part in that, but I have no intent on picking up a fight with a random stranger online. So let's either discuss this politely and calmly or just agree to disagree. Peace.
mrpthrowa 6y ago
Far from offending me dude, what are YOU going to do other than whine on the internet?
[deleted] 6y ago
I admit I was all worked up at the moment I wrote this post. I understand that I come across as whiny and complaining, but all I'm trying to really find out now is how to manage my mother in a way that's peaceful for the both of us and makes us both happy. I'm tired of all the arguments and fights, to be honest. Maybe I need to take a step back and reconsider this whole thing.
boy_named_su 6y ago
Bull. fucking. shit. There's no orphans in your country? Where do they go when they turn 18. You're being a rationalizing bitch
[deleted] 6y ago
No offense, but your comment is completely unrelated to my situation. It's culturally unacceptable to just leave your parents and move out. Orphans literally have no parents. The issue is about family ties and bonds. That's what this culture is based on. Orphans have no family.
Understand that our culture is family oriented as opposed to individual-oriented (western culture).
Edit: Also forgot to add that I have no idea what orphans do when they turn 18. I've seen and met orphans in their 20s still in orphanages helping look after the younger ones. I highly doubt that they move out and build a life of their own. They have no family and no money. Their education which was provided by the orphanage is less than worthless. They don't really know to read and write and don't care either. They surely won't get any kind of job that pays. They have no future. The only thing I see them doing in their life is being a laborer, or a construction worker or something. Even then, trust me, they're not moving out into fully furnished apartments or houses. They're fucking living on the streets or in makeshift tents and huts.
[deleted] 6y ago
[deleted]
[deleted] 6y ago
Because in my semi-urban town, the western culture of teenagers taking up part time jobs hasn't caught on yet. There are no part time jobs easily available. I can't just go work for McDonald's or whatever. I'd have to get some kind of technical paid internship, which I'm trying to do.
Also, it isn't feasible to run away from home because there's no place to go and I have no access to an income stream.
twdziki 6y ago
Not much you can do if you can't leave, but one thing I'd recommend against a overly controlling parent is getting your own source of income.
Get a part-time job - you're not only taking away one way she can control you (money) but also getting a convenient excuse to not spend time at home. And getting experience at the job market from a young age will benefit your life in general.
[deleted] 6y ago
I've thought about investing in an activity that gives me a convenient excuse to not spend time at home. I do that as often as possible, but if I don't exercise moderation, mom WILL call me out on it.
Thanks for the ideas. I'm trying to get my own source of income, but because of where I live, that's a small possibility at best. I'll try though.
vandaalen 6y ago
So....?
[deleted] 6y ago
So... This is not America. You don't just move out when you turn 18. Most move out for college at 18, but trust my terrible luck to only be able to get into a college that's two miles away (hence financially really stupid to stay in the dorms)
The only way I can move out is if I go somewhere far away for my Master's degree. Until then, neither do I have the money to move out, nor is there anyone here that provides half time jobs for teenagers or a place to stay.
It's not a "what will they think of me" problem. It's a "nobody does that here, hence there is no provision or concern given to such a possibility in this place" problem.
vandaalen 6y ago
bullshit. you get a job, you buy a newspaper and you look for a flat. that's it. the rest is in your head.
[deleted] 6y ago
I appreciate your input, but there's really nothing I can say if you refuse to believe that 18 year olds don't do part time jobs in a small semi-urban town in a third world country. That's not even a thing. This is the middle of nowhere.
I wish I were bullshitting myself, at least that way I could figure a way out.
imtheoneimmortal 6y ago
"If there is no job, create job"
[deleted] 6y ago
Haha, I'm not sure if I should take this seriously or not.
imtheoneimmortal 6y ago
it's uppon on you, sometime people say me that's hard to find job, i say create job than for you and others people.
This is what i say to me and others
vandaalen 6y ago
which one
[deleted] 6y ago
India.
vandaalen 6y ago
India is not a 3rd world country
[deleted] 6y ago
I'm speechless now. Thank you for taking the time to reply to me, but it's clear you have nothing to say.
You went from a "I tolerate no bullshit" attitude straight to a "Hey let's all bullshit ourselves so that we feel better about where we're born!" attitude.
Thank you for your efforts, though.