In a world where family dynamics can often be fraught with tension, one mother finds herself grappling with her own complicated relationship with her mother. The protagonist of this story, who goes by the username DoneSoaking, has shared her journey navigating the complexities of motherhood, trauma, and boundaries that are routinely violated by her own parent.

For years, DoneSoaking has carried the emotional weight of her mother’s abusive past, which was both physical and emotional. Now, as she prepares to welcome a new child, she faces the painful reality that her mother remains largely in denial about the hurt she caused. When DoneSoaking recently told her mother that she didn’t want her to babysit her son, her mother’s feigned surprise was almost too much to bear. “You remember all that?” her mother exclaimed, as if the memories were something to forget, swept under the proverbial rug.
Compounding the situation, DoneSoaking has endured her own trials in the past year, including two miscarriages and a medical emergency concerning her young son. During these tumultuous moments, her mother and father visited, but instead of providing support, they chose to confront DoneSoaking about their low-contact status. It felt like an invasion; they yelled at her in front of her toddler, even threatening to throw objects in her home. This was not the support she needed, especially at such a vulnerable time.
As she navigated these challenges, DoneSoaking made the tough decision to limit contact with her mother. Despite this, her mother persisted, attempting to assert her presence under the guise of caring. Recently, she brought over food that DoneSoaking couldn’t eat due to gallbladder issues, yet still insisted it was meant for her benefit. Moreover, when her mother took on the task of watching her child, DoneSoaking noticed that her son’s hygiene and food needs were often neglected. The disconnect between her mother’s intentions and the reality was stark.
In the face of these ongoing issues, DoneSoaking decided to block her mother’s calls and social media accounts. It wasn’t an easy choice—after all, she was about to give birth and the temptation to allow her mother back into her life, especially with the promise of help, was strong. Yet, each interaction reminded her that her mother’s approach was primarily one of denial and justification. “I really don’t need this shit in my life,” DoneSoaking often thought to herself.
To make matters more complicated, DoneSoaking noted that her mother’s circumstances added layers to the situation. She was unable to drive, could not read or speak the language of her adopted country, and had little social support outside of DoneSoaking’s father, who worked long hours just to avoid spending time with her. This created an almost claustrophobic environment for DoneSoaking, as she felt responsible for her mother’s well-being, even while managing her own family’s needs.
The tension simmered beneath the surface as DoneSoaking wrestled with the reality that her mother simply couldn’t grasp the gravity of her past actions or the current boundaries established. As she prepared for her impending c-section, DoneSoaking reflected on the future. How would she manage her mother’s expectations and her own mental health? Was it time to set firmer boundaries, or should she maintain a distant peace?
As the birth of her second child approached, DoneSoaking found herself in a tight spot, feeling a mixture of empathy and frustration towards her mother. She wanted the chance for her own children to experience a stable, loving environment, free from the chaos and drama of her past. Yet, the pressure of family obligations weighed heavily.
It’s a complicated tale, emblematic of the struggles many face when attempting to balance familial loyalty and personal peace. DoneSoaking’s story is a reminder of the difficulty in managing relationships that are fraught with history and pain, a delicate dance of boundaries that often leaves one wondering how best to navigate the waters of familial ties.
More from Cultivated Comfort:
- 7 Vintage Home Items From the ’60s That Are Collectors’ Dream Finds
- 7 Vintage Home Goods That Became Collectors’ Gold
- 7 Fast-Food Chains That Changed for the Worse
- 7 Frozen Dinners That Were Better Back in the Day

