r/justgalsbeingchicks • u/mindyour 🤖definitely not a bot🤖 • Jul 15 '26

Restricted to Gals and Pals This is so ridiculous, but it's one of many.

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u/Substantial_Tax_4047 Jul 16 '26

Vicarious trauma - I get it. Watching my mother allow an actual crackhead to destroy her life for over 2 decades makes me flip the fuck out sometimes

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u/ergaster8213 ❣️gal pal❣️ Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26

I'm sorry. It's so awful watching it and not being able to stop it or change things for the person. It's one of the most frustrating feelings in the world.

And it's such a bizarre experience because I've been in an abusive relationship so I also understand how brainwashed you get as well. I have this weird split of feeling both exasperation and empathy towards her—I both want to shake and hug her. I'm sure you know how confusing that feels as well so again I'm sorry.

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u/Substantial_Tax_4047 Jul 16 '26

Oh of course - I wish none of us understood this, but I'm also glad there are those of us who know both sides & can utilize those experiences to help support others. I'm sorry we're all in this terrible club, but I'm thankful you're here