I think I’m burning out...

I want to say thanks, everyone. I’m really glad I found this site. NYDIL: My mother and both have our own condos in the same building; she has lived here since 1993, after my father passed, and I moved in in 2003. To be close to her, yes, but it is one of the best buildings in the city. In her freewheeling 80’s, it was great - we co-chaired the social committee together, she had a few good friends, was still driving, and was always off doing things, including hosting art classes in her condo. The only way I would know that she was home/out is if her car was not in her spot in the parking garage. Each one of her friends has passed, one by one. I can’t expect her to make new friends at 93. Re: legalities - yes, she has a will, but I will discuss power of attorney - it was with her lawyer but he has retired, so now it’s with an unknown partner of that firm. Myownlife: I really liked your comment about “give us the courage to move on with our own lives”. One of the things I am scared about is that she will pass, and what will I be left with? I’ve lost contact with most of my friends, because if you don’t turn up, they stop inviting. Barb Brooklyn: I have seen a therapist about this. She said that as people age, their personalities become exaggerated - my mother has always been bossy and not that supportive, unless you can demonstrate total success. NYDIL: my therapist also said that the relationship has changed - I sometimes have to lie to get some free time. When people are elderly and scared, they can’t take the fact that you are doing things without them. I’m not okay with lying to anyone, and this is a big stumbling block for me. I’m going to think more about your comments, but I want to say thank you again.

I can't tell from your profile or post whether or not you live with your mother in her home or if your mother lives alone. The comment about the cleaning lady - "I paid her cleaning lady to go and knock on *her* door every day and report back to me" - makes me wonder. If you have your own home, keep it that way. If you live with your mother, find your own place.

"Finances are not an issue for her..." Time to start helping her pay for things she needs/wants to get done.

Too bad that she doesn't want anyone but you to do things for her. My FIL did that with my husband and we nipped it in the bud. Instead of my husband picking up his dad, I showed up to take him to the dentist. He came up with all sorts of guilt-infused nonsense. I patiently stood there, let him have his little temper tantrum, and told him that if he wanted to go to the dentist he should get in the car or he'll miss his appointment. He got in my car but sulked like a child. It was beyond ridiculous. He obviously survived my suboptimal chauffeur services, and your mother will too!

Does she have her important paperwork - living will/advance directive, durable power of attorney, will - all in order? If not, get her an appointment with a family or elder law attorney. In my opinion, taking responsibility for someone without having the authority is a bad idea.

Plan a vacation. Then tell your mother something like: "Mom, I'm going away at the end of the month for two weeks and want to get your transportation, housekeeping, groceries - whatever - in order. Let's look at your calendar and make those arrangements."

Only you can stop enabling your mother to behave this way. Swing by the senior center and pick up an activity schedule and hand it to her. Say something like "Mom, I'm starting a new project at work and won't have as much time to spend with you during the week. I think it's a good idea for you give the senior center another try." Make yourself your new project. Your mother is too selfish to accept the truth - that you deserve your own life - and so you will probably have to fib in order to break this unhealthy dependency she has on you.

Oh my dear, I understand. Same ages here. Differences being mom lives with me, and my full-time job is from home, with some going out during the week for work. It took a long long time before she would "recognize" my closed door.... I bought signs to hang on my door that I am working and not to bother... it got better just before actually placing them on the door. (but if need be, I'll do it).

Mom also thinks I should be her "all". There recently has been a bit of relief because she has home PT/OT which meant for awhile daily visits, now tapered to about 3/wk. I think I'll continue it on when insurance stops paying and hire someone 2 x wk to take her out. But it is easier for me, because it is my home, and I have been made to be more "forceful" of making some things happen.

She has always been a "NO" person and doesn't want to do anything at all unless I do it, too. Single life.... yeah, me, too. Recently, I'd had a rough day working and wanted to eat out, called Mom to get ready, and we'd go to the restaurant 5 minutes from home. She again " I don't feel well". So, I went by myself to a restaurant with a bar and sat at the bar as I was by myself and didn't want a table; had a great salad and glass of wine, and the gentleman next to me struck up a conversation and I had a great time out. This is once over the last few years. Maybe I'll get the nerve up and do it again :)

Coming up, I'd planned a short out of town vacation for the both of us and for the last couple of months, it was "No" over and over and over. Finally I gave up and a week ago she stood at my bedroom door and said she'd go. Well, fine. Then Friday night she did one of her taunting type behaviors which I have asked her repeatedly not to do, that it really bothers me, she did it anyway and then tried to justify. I was so angry! I decided right then and there, I will go on this vacation by myself. I called and canceled her part. She does not yet know this as we haven't spoken since then. Yesterday night, she blocked the doorway and wanted to know if "we're ok". No apology (she has never in her life ever apologized... big sign of narcissism!) and I excused myself and walked past her. Sad, I don't want life to be like this, but I am not in control of everything, and just learning how to control myself to try to keep from being reactionary.

I didn't mean to go on about myself, really other than to let you know you are not alone, and maybe all of us kids of NPD parents can help give each other the courage to go forward with our lives. (And oh yeah, our family moved away from grandparents when mom was in her 30's, and we would make the annual summer car trip to visit.... so when mom tries to say something about never acting like this with HER mother, I remind her that she never took care of her mom and that she never had a job. )

Your mother is not "fine" mentally.

Your mother sounds like she is suffering from an extreme case of selfishness. More nicely put, one could say she's a narcissist.

How about taking a two week break? You've offered alternatives to your personal assistance. She has refused.

Now is the time to stop dancing to her tune. Refuse to play her game.

There's a book by Townsend and Cloud. It's called Boundaries. If you haven't read it, you should.

Have you thought about going to a therapist to try to figure out why you are subjecting yourself to this? And why you feel guilty about standing up for your health and wellbeing?