Mother’s judgment hinders daughter’s recovery
DEAR ABBY: I’m a woman in my mid-30s without much family. I’m an only child and have no relationship with my father. The relationship I have with my mother is extremely toxic. I have suffered my entire life from a severe shopping addiction. I recently relapsed, and I’m trying to recover financially. I can’t afford counseling right now, and I can’t ask for help from my mother because of how horribly she shames me about my addiction. In fact, I have realized that having her in my life at all is a massive trigger because she constantly puts me down for not being financially stable as an adult. She also constantly compares me not only to herself when she was my age, but to others in my generation. How can I tell her I no longer want her in my life for the sake of my mental
by Bigar
(March 21-April 19): You will enjoy talking to partners, close friends and schmoozing with members of the general public today. Nevertheless, some kind of upset or surprise might affect your money, your assets or your possessions. Therefore, keep your eyes open! Tonight: Cooperate with a friend.
(April 20-May 20): Discussions with bosses or supervisors related to your job will be positive today. Likewise, issues related to your health also might be informative. However, a boss, parent or someone in authority might do something that catches you off guard. Stay cool under pressure. Tonight: Listen to others.
(May 21-June 20): Today the Moon is dancing nicely with your ruler Mercury. This will encourage you to make travel plans or talk to people from other cultures or far away. You also might be active on social media. Nevertheless, interruptions to travel are likely. Give yourself extra time to have some wiggle room. Tonight: Learn something new.
(June 21-July 22): Although you might be upset by unexpected issues related to shared property and banking, this is a good day to discuss these matters with someone. Get things clarified. Figure out what happened. And remember, your first loss is your cheapest loss. Tonight: Check your finances.
(July 23-Aug. 22): You will have to go along with others today because the Moon is opposite your sign, which means cooperation is the order of the day. Fortunately, conversations with others should flow smoothly. Having said that, there will be some upsets with someone, perhaps a boss or a parent. Tonight: Be cool.
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Work-related discussions will be positive and mutually informative today. Someone might help you finish an old project. Possibly, information from the past has relevance now. Nevertheless, expect interruptions to your day because of canceled appointments, power outages, staff shortages -- whatever. Tonight: Get organized.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22): This is a lovely day to schmooze! Accept invitations to enjoy good times with others. Appreciate the arts, sports events and playful activities with kids. Romance is also favored. Parents should know that this is an accident-prone day for their kids, so be vigilant. Tonight: Social plans might change.
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Home and family issues are on your mind today. A behind-the-scenes discussion might take place. Meanwhile, something unexpected will upset your home routine -- perhaps small appliances are in trouble or a minor breakage could occur. Tonight: Hang in there. health and addiction recovery? -PULLING BACK IN TEXAS
DEAR PULLING: I’m not sure if you are already aware of it, but many people use shopping as a way of coping with depression. You may be one of them. Before taking on that difficult conversation, do some research and find out what county mental health services may be available in your area. They are usually offered on a sliding fee scale. There are also 12-step programs for compulsive shoppers that you might find helpful. Please go online and research some of them as well. As to what to say to your mother, try this: “Mom, I know I need help for my shopping addiction. I am seeking it now. While I am in recovery, you won’t be hearing from me for a while, so don’t worry. We will talk eventually.”
Astrology
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You might be surprised to hear from an old friend today who has interesting news for you. One thing is certain, your daily routine will change. Short trips might suddenly occur or, in turn, be canceled. It’s a busy, social day. Tonight: It’s a bit of a crapshoot.
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Something to do with your money scene, your possessions or your cash flow might take a hit today or undergo some unexpected change. Therefore, keep an eye on whatever you own so you are ready to put out fires. Tonight: A boss you haven’t seen in a while might have advice for you.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’re keen to learn new things today, which is why you might talk to people from different backgrounds. You also might explore travel possibilities. Meanwhile, surprises related to home and family are also likely. Tonight: Stay tuned!
(Feb. 19-March 20): Today you have energy to do banking and check details about shared property, taxes and debt. However, in doing so, you might be surprised at what you learn. Someone might throw you a curveball. Go slowly and carefully so you don’t overlook anything. Tonight: Keep your eyes open.