Greetings, Abby After surviving the terrible fentanyl addiction, my youngest son, who is 27 years old, has been clean and sober for two years.
I assisted him in getting better. Although it wasn’t simple, he is still living today.
But as a result of his recovery, a new personality is showing up that is patronizing and critical of both me and his siblings. He has decided to stop interacting with us as he identifies faults in everyone of us that he finds repulsive.
He asserts that he is speaking the truth and that there is no such thing as right or wrong anymore. He doesn’t care about hurting our feelings because that is our problem, and he will no longer comply with social conventions. I constantly remind him that I approach him with love and acceptance. He claims that I’m living a lie and having delusions.
I’m at a loss for what to say or do. If we are unable to reach a mutual understanding, which is HIS way, he is prepared to leave our family. I’m so fed up with his tirades and his denigration of everyone that I’m on the verge of leaving him.
What ought I to do? In Minnesota, a disillusioned mother
Stories by
Abigail Van Buren
-
Dear Abby: Sharing a vacation home with slobs is anything but a vacation
-
Dear Abby: Special needs great-grandchild inspires 74-year-old to go back to school
-
Dear Abby: How do I stay strong and not go back to boyfriend who picked me apart?
Greetings, Mom: Is it possible that your kid joined a cult-like program to help him get sober? It is neither normal nor appropriate how he treats you and his siblings. You have the right to keep your distance until he changes his ways if you would rather spare yourself the misery and put a stop to his verbal abuse.
Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
