Q: I have no bond with my mother, and never have. She is self-centered, probably has Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and makes herself look good by spinning partial truths to make other people look bad. Her usual target over the years has been me (yes, this is relevant).
I belong to an organization that holds an event over Fourth of July weekend in a different city every year. This is the first year I'm able to go because it's in my area of the country. I've had these plans for a year, and have been getting more and more excited to combine my first vacation ever with this event.
My brother emailed to inform me that my mother's 70th birthday celebration was all figured out — July 5 for 25 people at $40 per person — and that because he understands my financial difficulties, he and our other brother were prepared to cover the cost.
I'm insulted that I wasn't consulted regarding an event they're suggesting I might "co-host," but I'm trying to let that go. My real issue: Am I now obligated to cancel my only vacation to attend? If I go, I will be resentful. If I don't go, it is fodder for family gossip about what a terrible daughter I am. It looks to me like a lose-lose situation.
M.
A: I can see how you'd think that, after a lifetime as the preferred target of a dysfunctional family.
But please trust this: People accustomed to being treated with respect would respond immediately to that email with: "Geez — wish you'd run the date by me first! I'll be on a vacation that weekend that I planned a year ago. If you change the date, I'm in."
The only "lose" in that scenario would be the disappointment of having to miss a celebration you care about — not the terror of poking wasp nests with a stick.