Re: Borderline parents and being compared to pets.

January 3, 2008

Nada didn't necessarily compare us to the cats in such direct terms, but I was

always jealous, even as a small child. I remember sitting outside once and

telling my kitten that I wished I was her so nada wouldn't be cruel to me ever

again. As she aged, she got more and more attached to the animals. She got two

dogs (in addition to the four cats!) when I was around 17, and started saying

things like that they're her substitute children and they actually love her or

that they're more grateful to her and us kids were/are. Sis and I never spoke

about this, but once she 'accidentally' left the front gate open and the dogs

got out. This was very, very unlike her and I'm certain it was subconscious

expression of that jealousy. It only took a few minutes to find the dogs. Silly

things were just chasing squirrels in the neighboring yard.

And yeah, we're supposed to talk to the animals on the phone. They don't say

much...

Jae

Borderline parents and being compared to pets.

Message:

Hello. I am new to this list and happy to be here. Like others, hearing stories

that " sound like mine " is interesting. I have been aware of my mother's

craziness for years (recently through the help of my partner put the borderline

label on it ... he is a psychologist) . In any case, she is definitely bpd and

sooo many things make " sense " about my childhood when seen through the bpd

lense.

One thing I am curious about ... and it relates to bpds' tendency to form

attachments (beyond the norm) with inanimate things or pets. When I was a child

my nada would actually compare me to the cats. As in " Cleo is nicer than you. "

" Rebel loves me more than you do! " " Cleo is a better daughter! " etc. etc. To

this day when we talk, which isn't often, much of the focus is on cats and she

will even try to get me to talk to my " sisters " over the phone! (I hope you are

laughing as this is so ludicrous you have to laugh.) So my question: anyone else

grow up being compared to pets or have nadas or fadas with pet issues?

Peace out and happy 2008,

Crockett

------------ --------- --------- ---

Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.

Recommended Posts