I'm sitting in my apartment in Chicago, staring at my phone with mom's missed calls. She's managed to drive away everyone - her friends stopped calling years ago, and my three sisters barely speak to her despite still living under her roof. The house that used to buzz with family gatherings now feels like a tomb. 😞 Part of me wants to just cut contact like everyone else did. Lord knows she's earned it with years of criticism and manipulation. But every time I think about her dying alone and bitter, convinced she was the perfect mother, my heart breaks a little. I don't want to become that angry person who holds grudges forever. The thing is, every time I try to reach out, she finds a way to undermine me or start drama. It's like she can't help herself! How do you build walls around your heart while still keeping the door open? 💭 I'm really struggling here, and I know some of you have been through similar situations. How did you find that balance between protecting yourself and staying connected? I could really use some wisdom right now. 🙏 #toxicparents #familyrelationships #motherdaughter