You were having a rough go a year or so ago. So pleased and happy you have progressed so well. I had a very emotionally cold narcissist mother. She never said “I love you” and she always said I was selfish (I was a child for crying out loud!) and she constantly said I would never amount to anything. If I failed at something she would gloat. Awful. But she herself was sexually abused and so she was legit fvcked up. There were times I thought of suicide. You bet. To escape and not feel that gnawing pain, the loneliness even in the company of others,
But like you I found the strength to bear up and get on with it. I developed in myself intrinsic self love. I relate ENTIRELY to the people pleasing behaviors. Like you are learning now I had to arrive at a place where I say No when that’s what I really want. I choose self respect and it feels good, solid to love myself in that way.
Also like you I seek connection in my relationships. Although I pick men who are scarred. I pick men with backgrounds similar to mine. These are damaged men with deep scars of their own. Those are often the ones who develop into players & playboys as a means of external validation. Narcissists themselves (which I am also accused of from time to time)...but in a way those are my people. And because we share similar wounds it creates deep bonds. Those are the men, screwed up as they are, who fall for me.
They don’t so much let me in as I recognize them for what they are. I see the deep pain & the wounds. I sneak into their soul before they realize I’m in. I healed myself and learned to love myself (as you are doing in your journey) and there is something in me that wants to help them learn to heal themselves. It is very difficult because often they are running from the pain.
Not realizing the only way to deal with it is to grapple with it.
I grapple with my pain. That is what life is. But I sleep well at night knowing I have loved myself and others each day. I am kind and do not hurl insults because I remember what it felt like to be invisible and be put down by my own mother. I cut her out of my life years ago. Best decision ever for me and for my children. Biggest HELL NO I ever said & did.
It has made me very very strong and resilient.
But I also find meaning in caring for others and in pouring myself out. It’s part of why I contribute here. It’s not about being a chick on a men’s forum. It’s about giving of myself for (hopefully) someone else’s benefit. It is part of what creates meaning in my own life. I try to give solid advice around here. I do my best in real life to be a great friend and good company. I love as unconditionally as I can (and that sometimes gets me in trouble) but I also tell the hard truths. That’s not always easy or pleasant. But
In the end all we have are the connections we build with others. Embrace it & love yourself.
I like what someone said about suicidal thoughts being a call to change. I find that resonates with a certain Truth. I needed to read that today.
Cheers Gents.