Not far off.....

NeverendingDMP

Lots of good things happening, well done you!

AntoMac

Have a lovely long well deserved break from work Emma. You’ve worked really hard these last few months. 

juliejim

Hope you enjoy your few days away. Your DS will come around - he has to grow up at some point! He will realise that the grass isn't always greener and it is you that has been looking out for him all along.

badmemory

It is easier for him to blame someone else than accept responsibility himself.  How are you supposed to check on what he is doing when he is at uni?  He is classed as an adult, they are enabling him not you, you tried to call a halt so he has gone to those who let him be/do whatever.

AntoMac

You’re the only one truly acting in your son’s interest Emma. Don’t let anyone blame things on you. We can only control our own behaviour, not that of others. Maybe you could message your son directly and remind him that you love him and are concerned for him, rather than him get twisted mixed messages from his dad.
Nice of your sister to be an expert in YOUR parenting skills.  Her circumstances and lifestyle are completely different to your own. Try not to take it to heart.
My daughter had scratches on her arms which she told us was due to the (very docile) cat scratching her. Turned out she was self harming. I’m not saying for a minute that your son is doing similar but maybe worth keeping in mind.
It’s all part of growing up and learning for your son.  He will come round.

she_always_has_a_plan

Hi Emma! I've only just came across your diary today. You're a one super strong woman! I just can't believe how many toxic people are around you, it's seriously hurtful reading some of your posts. I wish you all the best in 2023, keep being amazing and don't let people walk over you and treat you like crap, you don't deserve it. Sending lots of hugs xx

CRANKY40

It's you that shouldn't be speaking to your son...he borrrowed money, lied about what it was for and then let you pay it back instead of him. When you queried it he decided that he was in the right despite not even being bothered to get you a Christmas present. What a lovely ex-husband he will be for someone. My sister's ex husband was exactly like that.  As for the family meal......stand firm. I can't imagine why you'd want to go and eat with them anyway. Do something nice for yourself in the week instead. You deserve it. 

lucielle

Ditto what Cranky says. Nobody seems to have your back and they treat you like a punchbag. Time to put done boundaries in place and stick to your guns!
L

lucielle

Wow talk about mental abuse. I’m sorry but I think your family is toxic and you need to keep them at arms length, son included. 

For once just focus on you and tell them no and don’t let them bully you into doing or being something you don’t want to be or do. 

L

AntoMac

That’s a disgraceful thing for your son to say Emma. He is responsible for his own actions, just like we all are. He should be ashamed of himself and perhaps when he’s older and a bit wiser he might realise it.
Don’t even start me on proms. A total waste of money in my opinion. Glad it wasn’t a thing when I was at school.
Keep working hard and you will get to a better and happier place. It’s quite a bleak time of the year. Never forget how far you have come and never forget how hard you have worked for the good of your kids.