Need advice with complicated situation

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eugenius

Senior Member
Jul 17, 2009
491
9
18
#1
Hello, I have a very complicated situation. First I just want to say that certain stereotypes about my situation have never helped me, and just made me angry in the past. Lets not bring up any stereotypes please.

There are stereotypes in our society about guys being 25+ and living with their mother and blah blah. I have the opposite situation. I am not living with my mother voluntarily. The situation is much more complicated and tricky.

First some background. My parents got divorced when I was 3 years old. I don't have any brothers or sisters. I was raised by my mother, grandfather, and grandmother. We are a very close family and always have been. A few years ago my grandfather died, and now its just my mother and grandmother.

I am 27 years old. I just graduated from college, and got a full time job. I want to get married someday obviously.

Now here is the situation. Because I was raised by a single mother, and because I am the only child, she can be a bit overbearing and controlling and afraid to death that I will move out someday and abandon her. She makes half my salary. She has a house and mortgage to pay for. I don't want to abandon her. Its hard to imagine her living all alone in that big house. She has few friends.

Basically I am filling the void that a husband is supposed to take place in her life. This was always very hard, all throughout my college years too. I'm sure it contributes in some ways to why I have few friends, no girlfriend, and etc. Now that I graduated, got a high paying job, bought a car, and etc the situation is beginning to get tense. I am afraid that there will have to be some sort of major battle or war between me and her until she realizes that I grew up and need to have my own life. At the same time I don't want to abandon her. She has been a good mother to me. As you can see the situation is much more complicated than "oh he lives with his mother at 27, he is a loser blah blah" I heard all that before, and its hurtful. Especially since I worked really hard all my life and finally have a stable career and deserve to be respected. Dating is going to be very difficult for me I can tell. Few women can understand my situation and all its complexities. There is bound to be a lot of arguments and misunderstandings. I can sense them. I know they will occur.

If someone else here has went through a similar situation, maybe they can offer their advice on how to deal with it. I greatly appreciate it. Thank you
-Gene
 
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tenderhearted

Guest
#2
I am glad that you are willing to come out of this unhealthy situation. My husband was in a similar situation, although at first he didn't know that he was being controlled and manipulated by his mother. He thought his life was normal. He was the man of the house and his mom also relied on him for emotional support. I came into the picture when he was 18 years old. She fought him and I tooth and nail. I was a threat to their relationship. She tried to find everything wrong with me. She bashed me to the whole family. She didn't like that my husband would spend a lot of his time with me. It needed to be her way or the highway. When my husband and I got married after college, she made him choose between her and me. The way she would do it is by giving him the cold shoulder. My husband was no longer the favorite son, but the black sheep of the family. When we relocated she would never come to visit. When we had our daughter she didn't care to be a grandmother. It was all about control for her. She is a very selfish person. My husband's mother abandoned him. Sadly they don't even speak anymore. I am sorry that you are in this situation. I hope and pray that your mother doesn't give you the cold shoulder. Don't fear losing your mother because if you let her control you, then you will not be living God's best. You will miss out on living your life. Yes she is your mother, but you are a grown man who needs his own life. Stand up for what is right. When you do find that special someone don't let your mother get in the middle of that. Put your mother in her place. She needs to know that your primary relationship will be your wife. Don't feel bad. It's not your job to fill that void in her life. It's the LORD's and she needs to know that. I will be praying for you.
 

eugenius

Senior Member
Jul 17, 2009
491
9
18
#3
I should probably discuss the latest situation. Some more background. For the past 10 years my mom and I had 1 car. I used it to drive to school and any time my mom needed to go somewhere I drove her. I also dropped her off to work and picked her up from work every day. Now I am working 9-5 and our house is in such an area that its impossible to get to civilization without a car. So we are living with my grandmother so that mom can take the bus to work. I pick her up from work.

Our plan is to live at my grandmother's long enough so that I can buy my mom and myself a new car. She does not make enough money to be able to afford a car herself. Recently our old car finally died. Since it doesn't matter in which order we do this, I went and bought myself a new car. I can't get to work by bus, but my mom can. So I got myself a car first. Its obviously a car for a guy, not a middle aged lady. It has a turbo drive, racing speedometer, and etc.

So the other day she was joking that I buy myself a jeep and give her the car I just bought. But we had agreed that this car was going to be mine when I called her from the dealership last week. I ignored it, but it got on my nerves.

So yesterday we had an argument because I told her "please stop calling it our car. This is my car. I will buy you your own car later" So now she won't talk to me. Anyway, in summary its just a continuation of the same problem I already described. She needs to understand that I must have my own life and my own things. Its so tricky. I am getting a little tired of dealing with it after years and years.
 

eugenius

Senior Member
Jul 17, 2009
491
9
18
#4
tenderhearted, its a bit more complicated than that. My mom has been great to me all these years. Helped me out. Supported me. Etc. I can't exactly call her selfish. Its the result of her not having a husband. Its a void that is supposed to be filled. Its wrong that she is using me to fill it, but I can’t just abandon her. That’s not fair either. I don’t know what to do. I talk to my cousin about this all the time. First thing my cousin said to me when I called her and said I got a job is, "so you moving out finally?". Its not that simple....
 
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LadyOscar

Guest
#5
I'm not sure how to give you the right advice but maybe...maybe you need to talk to her from heart to heart, make her understand that you can't live like that forever, that you'll move out and have your own family eventually. If money is the problem, why not tell her that you'll still help her even when you're no longer there? If she has few friends why not ask a female relative who needs company to live with her? Find fun activities to keep her entertained, or maybe buy her some pet to make her less lonely? I know how hard it feels, I'm pretty much experiencing the same thing. I have a controlling father and he believes that the right place for an unmarried daughter is at home, with parents. I'm lucky I have my 15 yo sister to keep me company, otherwise I would've gone crazy long time ago. You need to talk to your mother. Find the right time, keep the temper low, and speak softly.
 
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tenderhearted

Guest
#6
You don't have to abandon her. However don't feel afraid to live your life because she is alone. God will take care of her. My husband's father wasn't in the house either and they were very poor. They lived in the projects. You can help your mother out. Just don't revolve your world around her either. If she can't understand your need to have your own things and live your life than essentially that is being selfish. Your mother should want the best for you. You are an adult now and you have to set some boundaries. Her not having a husband or not making enough money doesn't mean that your are responsible for her.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

rachelsedge

Senior Member
Oct 15, 2012
3,659
79
48
33
#7
Do you and your mother go to church? Perhaps there is a church or small group home study that she can participate in and start making friends and have a support system other than you.

It's unhealthy for her to be clinging to you in this way, and it's affecting you and your relationship with her. Are you wanting to move away, or just move out?

For the record, I don't think you're a loser for living with your mom. :) I live with my parents, not really by choice (though I like living with them), just the chain of events called for it, but sometimes when people call you a loser or look down on you, it's because they don't know the whole situation. So, try not to let it get to you so much. Easier said than done, I know.
 
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RosePink_petal

Guest
#8
I honestly have never met anyone in ur kind of situation yet but i know its common. The apron strings hv to be cut.. I feel bad for ur mom cuz she's made u her haven n is obviously scared of losing u. Its a tough thing n its nice tht uv been trying to be patient with her. It will take time but she needs to start learnin now to let u go.. Maybe write her a letter. Assure her u love her n thank her for being a good mother but that she needs to start letting u go. Maybe even start baby steps to help her cut those strings.. Kinda like weaning her off u. Spend time out wth frnds during the week n even bring friends over. U cud remind her to start letting go when she acts weird. It will take time but u cud start weaning her. N always pray for her im sure sure she does love u alot n wdnt deliberately set out to ruin you :)
 

eugenius

Senior Member
Jul 17, 2009
491
9
18
#9
Do you and your mother go to church? Perhaps there is a church or small group home study that she can participate in and start making friends and have a support system other than you.

It's unhealthy for her to be clinging to you in this way, and it's affecting you and your relationship with her. Are you wanting to move away, or just move out?

For the record, I don't think you're a loser for living with your mom. :) I live with my parents, not really by choice (though I like living with them), just the chain of events called for it, but sometimes when people call you a loser or look down on you, it's because they don't know the whole situation. So, try not to let it get to you so much. Easier said than done, I know.
That would be easier if she was a Christian. She believes in God and spiritual things but not really Jesus I think. Yea I have to deal with her superstitious nonsense sometimes too.
 
Aug 15, 2009
9,745
179
0
#10
eugenius, a mother can be totally loving & controlling at the same time. It's possible you didn't see that in your early years because she was so helpful. It's possible she was the same with your father, as well. I believe before this is all over, your views toward both your Mom & Dad will change drastically. Hold on, for the ride ahead is worse than you think it is.

tenderhearted is right. There will come a time to take a stand, & you will have to. Don't blame yourself for the results. She's bringing this to the forefront, & she is responsible for it.
 
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lockedrob

Guest
#11
I don't really have any advice that I can give you, all I can do is pray for you and the situation and that as you approach telling your mother that God will guide you and give you the right words to say
 

starfield

Senior Member
Jun 13, 2009
3,393
58
48
#12
The fact that one gets married doesn't mean they should abandon their parents. You can always move close to your mother (i.e. in the same city) and support her if need be. Nonetheless, she has to understand that children grow up and need to take on responsibilities and step toward independence, one of which is starting their own family. "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh" (Gen 2:24).

I don’t know what's with the stigma against single men that are 25+ and living with their parents. I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as he is industrious and has ambitions to move out and start his own family eventually. In fact, living at home gives you the opportunity to save money and learn family responsibilities, and it doesn’t have to obstruct your social life. So you’re not a loser for living with your mother. Be patient with her and keep talking to her about your future plans, and soon she will lose some of the emotional attachment.

Cheers.
:)
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
15,045
110
63
#13
Being torn is a disabler, until one gets through it, and it sounds as if Mom has never grown up and has become totally dependent on you.
No matter which way you slice it, dice it, or cube it, you leave or even a threat to even if and when it is in her mind, she looks to you for reassurance you are not going to leave.
Yet you do want to start your life, but feel like you can't and do not want to harm her, in fear of what way Mom might react?

Have you sat down with her and tried talking to her? I am sure you have at least tried, so here is the dilemma.
Okay Mom might have to be forced to understand that you are a grown up and do need to have a life outside of here.
I hear you say she is dependent on you fro half the money you make for survival where you are at.
And I see no matter which way you go, with this, one and or both you are going to be hurt, as I see both of you are hurting right now, and have been for awhile.
We as Human Flesh are dependent on something, someone, or God whom we do not see, which is eternal as the air we breathe here to keep alive. And stress always comes from things not going as we think it should go.
I do not want your Mom hurt either nor you as you are.
I know you have been praying on this as you have received the thoughts of being preyed on, and are trying to sort this dilemma out, doing your best for no one to be hurt.
Okay, now a decision does need to be made by you, and only by you, regardless of the consequences that will come either way you decide. This is just a reality that no emotion can fix, only hinder, one from overcoming past problems.
So to me the asking to God that you have done, wait and listen quietly, go about your business of what you do, and the answer will come, you will know it when it comes and you will be settled in the answer knowing that somehow all things will work out to the good, as a seed in the ground mired in garbage as fertilizer, comes out a beautiful flower, or whatever the seed was that was planted.
So once you know the best decision that you will know that God tells you, you can trust, and be like a mighty oak tree that was a small nut that stood its ground.
Personally I see Mom needs to grow up and let go of the apron strings. And just might have to be done as a bird does to its young, when its time be tossed out of the nest.
Then there is always the possibility of God having a mate for you, that is a person not of stereo-type, and can be a help-mate to you in this, not selfish, and sees things in reality.
So ask God for the right words at the right time to talk to your Mom, and say things like these are my feelings about this Mom. Trusting God to speak through you such logic that miscommunicating goes away and all emotions of discord are held away at bay.
It comes down to trust in your Savior Christ, not what you have necessarily been taught about loving our neighbor as self and honoring Mom and Dad. There are a lot of misinterpretations used in these to control another.
Yet I think you know already in your heart what to do, and whatever that is, do it, and do not look back, once you have made that decision. What gets anyone the most IMOP is riding the fence, I will go this way, a no I will go that way.
My best advice is first settle down from being like a wave in the sea tossed to and fro. Go about your business and as you go, say thank you to God for this dilemma and you will know what you are to do
Hope to have helped, thinking I have been all over the place and maybe not any help, yet praying so
 

Jeshuvan

Pastor
Staff member
Apr 15, 2012
221
2
0
#14
Hey Bro,Im not good at typing so hope 2 meet u someday in chat room.But your although it mat not seem it,is so easy 4 God 2 remedy,he can do anything and nothing is 2 difficult 4 him.I would pray 4 her.honor her,she now seems 2 be becomming your child and its ok.Love her unconditionally because u only get one.As 4 the garbage people say about u,just see yourself as God sees u,a treasure,priceless very valuable,and has a mighty plan 4 u,thats the truth.Satan will use people to get at u,2 try 2 steal your peace and joy.I would praise him give thanks 2 him=God and sit down with mom and enjoy praying with her or reading some scripture and re-assuring her that she will always be the gift that God gave 2 u as u r the gift he gave 2 her,Amen.Just be encouraged God loves u both because u both r his GBU Pastor john
 

sandtigeress

Senior Member
Apr 29, 2013
526
16
18
#15
hm I have a diffenent oppinion.

Your mother has supported you a lot of yearsfinancially, now you can support her financially,
but when the currently shared car died, you bought a car for you alone and she can not
replace her car by herself.

She might feel, you abandon her, not in the positive sense of having your
own life, but in the sense, that you won't help her, now that you do not
depend on her help anymore.

Live your life, definitly find a way to seperate your life from hers,
but do not leave her emotionally and financially alone.

You agreed, that you would be the one to replace the shared car,
but you have not done that,
you have bought one for yourself, that you will not even jokingly share.
 

eugenius

Senior Member
Jul 17, 2009
491
9
18
#16
hm I have a diffenent oppinion.

Your mother has supported you a lot of yearsfinancially, now you can support her financially,
but when the currently shared car died, you bought a car for you alone and she can not
replace her car by herself.

She might feel, you abandon her, not in the positive sense of having your
own life, but in the sense, that you won't help her, now that you do not
depend on her help anymore.

Live your life, definitly find a way to seperate your life from hers,
but do not leave her emotionally and financially alone.

You agreed, that you would be the one to replace the shared car,
but you have not done that,
you have bought one for yourself, that you will not even jokingly share.
Yea. Well as I said, right now I can't get to work on a bus, but she can get to work by bus. So this car has to be mine because I have no way to get to work otherwise. When I make enough money to get her a car also, we will move back to our house and both be a little more independent from each other.
 
J

J-Kay

Guest
#17
Mothers....they are hard to understand because all are different.
I have couple of thoughts. From experience, I am married woman
and my mother has passed away. But, she was a controlling person.
Out of respect, and having a mate who disliked her, I was torn between
her and my husband.

Second thought... I have a young friend who is married female whose
mother in law does not like her being married to her son and tries to
imitate her. Perfumes, etc. Weird, I know. There are all types of mothers.

I think you are a wise son, and my very first thought was, Jesus looking
at His mother and before He died, His request was "take care of my mother."

Now, in your situation? I would say you deserve to date and need not feel
guilty for it. If you are a Christian you are going to save yourself until you
get married, so if you bring a new lady into meet 'mother', your mom should
be aware you are going to one day marry and leave her and take on a wife.
That does not mean you are going to forget your mother and you will still
watch over her needs.

My husband had to continue taking care of his mothers home maintenance
and did so for years after we married.

It would seem if you do as you were advised, 'talk to mother and explain
you want to date and prepare her for the day you may move out, but you
will not forsake her.' But remember the 'fiance' would have to agree with
your helping mom. I hope it works out for you. You sound like you have
a great head on your shoulders. You are counting the cost before you build.
God tells us to think things through like that. I pray you find a wonderful
woman of God and all goes well. Remember when your ways please the
Lord, He will be with you through your walk into the new 'life' you want to
live. God bless.
 
J

Jordache

Guest
#18
Your situation is very understandable, and it will be very difficult (even painful) to get out of. I mean this will all grace, and I understand the fear and pain over not wanting to hurt those you love. I see that you desire for this to be a healthy relationship and right now it is not. For good reason, there is a co-dependence going on here. But while there was good reason for that co-dependence to start in the first place, it's time to break from it. You are not your mother's husband, and I understand that she has placed in you in caretaker role. My mother did the same to me. But that is no longer your role. It's ok for you to take care of you first. Your mother is a grown women who needs to take care of herself. This doesn't mean you abandon her altogether. It seems you fear abandoning her, but allow me to clarify. A healthy separation for yourself and your mother in order for you to be an independent man, and for her to be an independent woman IS NOT ABANDONMENT. It feels that way, I know. I've had to do this, so I do understand. But the pain of separation is necessary to claim health in this relationship.
You feel responsible to care for your mother, but it's not your responsibility. You probably know this, but the pain and fear of causing her pain is immense, isn't it?
You know what you need to do. It seems you only hesitate because you don't want to cause her pain... but unfortunately, you both will have to go through some pain. But God will be with you through it.
 
C

Cino

Guest
#19
Hello, I have a very complicated situation. First I just want to say that certain stereotypes about my situation have never helped me, and just made me angry in the past. Lets not bring up any stereotypes please.

There are stereotypes in our society about guys being 25+ and living with their mother and blah blah. I have the opposite situation. I am not living with my mother voluntarily. The situation is much more complicated and tricky.

First some background. My parents got divorced when I was 3 years old. I don't have any brothers or sisters. I was raised by my mother, grandfather, and grandmother. We are a very close family and always have been. A few years ago my grandfather died, and now its just my mother and grandmother.

I am 27 years old. I just graduated from college, and got a full time job. I want to get married someday obviously.

Now here is the situation. Because I was raised by a single mother, and because I am the only child, she can be a bit overbearing and controlling and afraid to death that I will move out someday and abandon her. She makes half my salary. She has a house and mortgage to pay for. I don't want to abandon her. Its hard to imagine her living all alone in that big house. She has few friends.

Basically I am filling the void that a husband is supposed to take place in her life. This was always very hard, all throughout my college years too. I'm sure it contributes in some ways to why I have few friends, no girlfriend, and etc. Now that I graduated, got a high paying job, bought a car, and etc the situation is beginning to get tense. I am afraid that there will have to be some sort of major battle or war between me and her until she realizes that I grew up and need to have my own life. At the same time I don't want to abandon her. She has been a good mother to me. As you can see the situation is much more complicated than "oh he lives with his mother at 27, he is a loser blah blah" I heard all that before, and its hurtful. Especially since I worked really hard all my life and finally have a stable career and deserve to be respected. Dating is going to be very difficult for me I can tell. Few women can understand my situation and all its complexities. There is bound to be a lot of arguments and misunderstandings. I can sense them. I know they will occur.

If someone else here has went through a similar situation, maybe they can offer their advice on how to deal with it. I greatly appreciate it. Thank you
-Gene
Have you tried to tell your mother the exact words you just told us here now? Perhaps if she knew how you felt, she would be better. Maybe she has no idea what she is doing, nor how you feel. The only way you can sort it out is to talk to her. Pray that God would give you the words to say, and pray that God would open her heart to listen to you and understand. Tell her that you will not abandon her. You need your own life, but you will always remember her and she will still be a part of your life, even though you need your space to get married.
 
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reject-tech

Guest
#20
Ever consider exposing her to a scene where she can meet a guy? This happened with my mom when I was mid to late 20's and poof, she was married and gone from the house lol

Never underestimate what can happen when a guy her age throws out the charm.
Then you'll be trying to be her parent lol