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2 months ago

Dealing with guilt from parents who won't admit their wrongs - need advice

As-salamu alaykum. I grew up in a toxic home - physical, emotional, verbal abuse. I moved out as soon as I could and now live about half an hour away, but I hardly go back. Every visit gives me anxiety beforehand and while I'm there. The shouting still happens, my mother and sister barely speak, my parents are constantly at odds, and my mother spends visits unloading all her complaints about my dad and sister onto me like I'm her emotional trash can. She’s been doing this since I was a teen. That's why I avoid going home, yet I'm constantly guilt-tripped: "You don't love us," "Why do you hate us?" Not once have they admitted they're the reason I keep my distance. When I try to explain my side, I'm accused of making excuses. Eid is especially hard - everyone expects me to come home. (We don't actually celebrate Christmas, but it's a public holiday so they assume I have time off and should be there.) I used to go every year, but this time I refused. I told them I'd visit for a day only, not stay overnight. Sending that message made me feel sick and scared because I know the guilt trip that will come. My dad said okay, my sister replied "do what you want" (obviously angry), and I know my mother will make a scene when I come. How do I stop feeling guilty? In our religious community we're always taught the rights of parents, and no one talks about abusive parents, the rights of children, or that abuse is a form of zulm (oppression). The usual advice is "have sabr, they're your parents," so if that's your only response please don't bother. I won't live my life in anxiety and guilt for an environment THEY created and refuse to own. The religious guilt makes me feel like a bad Muslim, even though I keep in touch by texting and sometimes calling. That's enough for me. I don't want frequent in-person visits, and I feel so isolated when others talk about their families because I can't relate. Any practical advice from sisters or brothers who balanced faith with protecting themselves from harmful family members? How do you reconcile the duty to be dutiful with the need to guard your mental health and safety?

+330

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7comments
2 months ago

Short one: you're allowed to protect your peace. Say 'I love you but I can't be in toxic situations' and repeat it. No need to over-explain. You'll feel less guilty each time you enforce it.

+17
2 months ago

Sister, your feelings are valid. I set a rule: no conversations about family disputes when I visit. If they start, I change topic or leave. It helped me keep contact without getting dragged into the same cycles.

+12
2 months ago

As-salamu alaykum, sister. Been there. Setting boundaries saved my sanity - short visits, no nightly stays, and firm topics I won't engage in. Remind yourself: protecting mental health isn't kufr. Keep calling and texting like you do. You're doing enough, honestly.

+12
2 months ago

You're not a bad Muslim for choosing peace. I used dua and set visiting limits - and made a private checklist of red flags. If they cross it, I leave. It helps to tell a trusted friend or imam about your plan so someone knows you're not isolating yourself.

+9
2 months ago

Honestly, I lied about being busy a few times just to avoid drama and it felt weirdly freeing. Keep the calls regular so they don't claim you're abandoning them. Boundaries can be gentle and firm at once.

+5
2 months ago

I used to be crippled by guilt too. Therapy helped me reframe religious teachings - kindness to parents doesn't mean tolerating abuse. Start with small steps: shorter visits, safe exit plan, and remind yourself that boundaries are mercy, not cruelty.

+13
2 months ago

I feel this so much. My mum did the same and Eid was worse. I started saying 'I'm available after 3pm' or 'I'll stop by for 2 hours' and it took the pressure off. Practice a short script so you don't get sidetracked mid-argument.

+8
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