She is still young and mobile. She has friends but she is giving me a huge guilt trip over not coming for Christmas. She's 11 hours away and I just don't have the money. We just moved and bought a house. In order to get the home loan, we had to put 10% down. I do feel guilty. I hate for her to be alone but she has options with friends. I don't like Christmas at her house, it never feels like the holidays. I'm not talking about gifts, just the mood. There is always drama....Help
If you do not have the room at your house a local hotel might be an option.
If this is something that you would be willing to offer as a suggestion then present that to her. As well as reminding her that she has friends that she can spend the holiday with.
Don't feel guilty if she has these options and she CHOOSES to be alone that is on her not on you.
It strikes me as terribly selfish for her to make you feel bad that you can't make a long and expensive trip to see her.
Maybe she'd like to pay your plane fare?
There's your answer.
Let her deal with it and you go find a therapist to help you overcome your being raised in guilt compounded by fear and obligation.
There's also a good book about Marriage and Boundaries that might be helpful.
Congratulations on the new house! Have a Merry Christmas!
She is offering you the ticket for the guilt trip but you don't have to take it.
Staying in your own home for Christmas is fine, Her staying in her home is fine, Her trying to guilt you about not coming to her home is not fine. Don't buy into it. She is making choices as are you. If she wants to be miserable b/c you are not going there, that is her choice. As you say she has other options. This is not about Christmas and you not coming and her being alone. It is about manipulation and control. Step out of the fog. You are entitled to make your own choices even if they don't please others. Have a great Christmas!!!
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