I have a 32 year old daughter who chooses not to have a relationship with me. Since she graduated from HS the only time she reaches out is when she needs something from me. When I try to have a conversation or learn about her life she shuts me down as if it’s a problem.
She is my only daughter and I have tried to do whatever I could to make her happy. She has no personal relationship with anyone but a few girl friends. Her push back is hard for me to handle and leads to awful depression.
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Jazzcatie
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Does she say (or ask her) why she does not want to have a relationship with you. I can think of a few reasons, although NONE of them would reflect badly on you.
I don’t know the answer to this, but I do have an only daughter. So I’m thinking, if it was me in this position, I would write her a letter asking her why she is like this with you because you Truly don’t know and you are upset about it. Also tell her you love her very much. It could take you a few attempts to write it, difficult letters do in my experience.
I am really sorry you are facing this. Our children hold such a dear place in our hearts, it's difficult when things like this happen. Has she ever expressed to you why she has chosen not to have a relationship with you or others for that matter? If she continually shuts down when you bring it up I can imagine it's difficult to get a solid answer. I wonder if there is something deeper going on that has caused her to shut you out, not only you but it sounds like many people. I think that one other poster had a really good idea, put it in writing. If it's deliverable, maybe even a hand written letter. Prayers to you mom, I know this is hard, and prayers to her, that she can find peace with whatever she may be facing....
Her push back could be something psychological that even she may not be aware of. Unfortunately, we can't make people be in a relationship with us. We can try to reach out, show that we care, send just saying hi or checking on you texts. Hopefully one day she will realize she needs you in her life. Hang in there, life has a way of correcting such things. Prayers for wisdom and guidance.
I don’t have any children but I am a daughter and I know sometimes it can be difficult to express things to our parents. Her reason for shutting you out may have nothing to do with you. She really could be going through a rough time in her life and it’s causing her to not see how she’s hurting you. On the other hand, there could be things that maybe weren’t addressed growing up that have led to some sort of resentment. Honestly a few years ago it took me and my mom getting into a huge argument for me to express some things I never even really realized were triggering or bothering me until that very moment. As humans, we tend to suppress a lot of trauma and it can make us behave negatively or subconsciously shut down without even realizing it. Writing it down like someone previously said may be a good start so that you can express everything you have to say. I prefer to read things from people, it gives me a deeper meaning. It’ll help you release some of the hurt you’re harboring and hopefully she will see that and realize how her actions are hurting you. And If there is an area that needs to be fixed, that you may have never known was an issue or simply overlooked due to handling all of the responsibilities that come with being a mom, it’ll give you time to explain yourself as well. Communication can get lost sometime between parents and children but a good conversation can really open doors to a lot of healing! Hope this helps!
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