Last updated on November 2, 2020
Question:
I’m 17 years old, and I don’t have a good relationship with my mother. The communication between us isn’t great. Whenever I try to initiate a conversation about something, she does what I don’t like or hurts my feelings. It doesn’t get the results I want (apology, a change in behavior, etc.). My view of her has gotten so bad that I don’t like being in the same room with her or having any form of discussion. I hate that I feel this way, but I don’t know what to do. If I can’t discuss how I feel with her without reprisal or dismissal, and she continues to do things that knowingly irritate me, I don’t see a future relationship after I move out. At this point, forgiving is getting increasingly difficult. What would God have me do to improve this situation?
Answer:
She is still your mother, and you still live in her home. Be polite and kind to her, but don’t expect to change who she is. No one gets to pick her parents, but you can find friends among the older women at church to discuss problems that you are having (though don’t use them to complain about your mother). It won’t be long before you will be leaving home and I’m sure to can manage to deal with your mother for the short time you have left.