Guys ...
I'm at the point now where I just don't even want to be living anymore. I either want to just die or check myself into a psych ward.
Every single day we are under spiritual warfare. There is an argument about SOMETHING that creates a massive amount of tension. Things are taken out of context constantly. Conversations are not normal - any conversation, words are pulled and those words are debated rather than the full statement of the conversation.
Today's argument was that my youngest daughter took my 20 year old daughter's coloring book and colored a fucking page in it. My wife was telling me how "terrible" this is because our youngest needs to understand boundaries and know that it's "not her property" and respect her older sister's things. I really didn't think it was that big of a fucking deal. The kid wanted to color a page. Cool. She's being creative. Turns into this whole fucking thing where my youngest is screaming and crying and my wife is screaming at her that she needs to "BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS!" and then my oldest yelling alongside it and I'm trying to break everything up. Then when I try to do so I'm "undermining and not backing it up." I've told my youngest that she does need to respect other peoples things and not take things without asking, that its not right, and that she wouldnt like if someone did that to her things. But it honestly feels stupid to even have this conversation. I discipline her just fine and she's a good girl. She just wants to be a damn kid. I've tried to have the conversation of not creating mountains out of ant hills with my wife. Doesn't matter, in fact it makes things worse, with things like "I'M NOT GOING TO DISMISS HER BEHAVIOR!". This is just ONE example of hundreds. I deal with insane shit like this on the freaking daily.
Hours later, she knocks on her door (per Mom's request) to tell her that dinner is ready, to which she screams at her and tells her "GET OUT OF MY ROOM!" which leaves her crying again. I tell her this is not acceptable behavior, that she was sent to tell her FOOD WAS READY and she's a messenger.
But then it's "I'm taking her side!" Then wife agrees that oldest shouldnt have acted that way in that specific moment. Yet then they decide to go watch a dating show together for three hours and laugh and act like nothing even happened - send our youngest to bed, if I say anything about it I'm 'undermining', and they get to enjoy laughing hysterically at some stupid materialistic bullshit tv show all the while hurting my daughter's feelings and destabilizing her emotions.
I feel like I'm losing my fucking mind. I really, really do. I have no outlets. I have no money to leave. I really feel like every day I am living in an actual nightmare. And I mean that in a non cliched way. I feel like I'm literally dreaming a nightmare and everyone has failed to wake me up.
I'll give another example: My wife does dog sitting. She watched this one dog and agreed to accepted cash app for payments. So we've watched him a few times. The most recent time, she was not paid. We're struggling with finances. The balance owed is $500. She literally said to me "WHAT SHOULD I DO IN THIS SITUATION." I gave my advice. She decided, since they've booked with us in the past, and that they're nice people, she wasn't going to contact them and ask for payment. I told her she needs to reach out and ask nicely if perhaps they forgot or something, maybe like "Hey I know you guys have a lot going on but I wanted to let you know I didnt receive payment yet." She straight up freaked out on me about this - that her decision was her decision and why was I not respecting her decision to not reach out to them. I'm like uh ... because they didn't pay you ... for your services ... and we need to pay our bills ... like ... what? "THIS IS HOW I FEEL. THEY ARE GOOD PEOPLE, THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO SCREW US. I TOLD YOU I DONT FEEL COMFORTABLE ASKING THEM FOR IT, WHY CANT YOU RESPECT THAT?!" then created an entire argument around this. Like ... an argument with me .. about not getting paid from a client ... and me suggesting she get paid. It literally makes zero freaking sense. I cannot reason with her. Whatsoever. Nothing is within any type of rational thinking.
I really am at the point where I just want to end life. I just have this tiny, tiny sliver left that is saying "that's Satan, kick him out."
I don't know how much more of this I can do. I really dont, yall. I don't know. I cannot afford to leave. I have like $500. I'm really at the point where I'm thinking that this has been the end of my life for a long time and I've not realized it - that it's just time to end life. I'm clinging on because of my kids. That's it. But if I'm going to be pitted against them and everyone, then what even is the purpose. Why am I here. I wake up every day to go to work and just pray to God for his strength because I can't muster an ounce of energy. I am at the point where I'm quite sincerely going to have a mental breakdown.
Add on top if it I have my mother who is a complete narcissist texting me and telling me how hurt she is that I only come visit a few times a month and how wrong that is of me and how I should be over there at least a few times per week. And how she never feels good - then I suggest some things - then those things aren't good enough - it's just non freaking stop. Then telling me that she's going to die soon and why am I not doing more for her.
This entire planet is trying to drain every ounce of energy I have. I wish I could just go get my own little apartment somewhere with my daughter. Just can't afford to do so, and I'm working two jobs. The time that I have off is just filled with arguments and anger. I have no peace and no downtime to myself.
Someone please help me. Please.
What I’m going to tell you is really important. Some of it is going to be hard to hear.
2 Your wife sounds mentally unhealthy. She could be a narcissist. Look that word up and learn how to deal with narcissists.
Your wife creates triangles within the family. It’s probably unhealthy stuff from her childhood. When you react, she gaslights you. You can’t and won’t win with her. Stop trying. Walk away.
Your youngest daughter reminds your wife of you. She’s going to break up your alliance with your younger daughter at any cost because that’s what narcissists do.
This situation is a powerful lesson for you to learn how to take control of your life, to develop strength and to love yourself. Your wife fears you getting self-esteem. The minute you do, she can’t control you anymore.
This is a mental exercise. It’s not about money. It’s also a long game. Set a goal. Even if it’s putting away $5 a month. Set a mental health goal too. Walk a mile everyday, seek therapy, read self help books. Find a hobby and commit to taking care of yourself for 30 minutes a day. Period. No excuses. If you’re not worth it to yourself, don’t expect anyone else to respect you either. Develop self esteem. Develop strength. Be really nice and gentle with yourself. You’re going through a hard time. You’re struggling. If you can’t be kind to yourself, no one else will either.
Your mother is guilting you. That’s wrong. Set boundaries with her. But also it seems she’d be okay if you just give her a bit more attention. Literally call her everyday and say hi for three minutes. Once she sees you’re trying, she’ll stop with the nonsense.
Did you marry a woman like your mother? It sounds like you have a few things to work out.
You need therapy. They have therapy with sliding scale payment available.
Pray. Go to church every Sunday. Seriously. You need to balance the hell in your life with positive messaging.
People are taking advantage of you.But that’s on you. Never forget we teach people how we want to be treated.
You matter. Do not hurt yourself. Really work on being kinder to yourself and then change your life. It’s one step at a time though. Make a plan. Work a little towards that plan everyday. You’ll feel more in control.
Good speed friend.
This is so good and so helpful. Thank you. Your point of "Your youngest daughter reminds your wife of you. She’s going to break up your alliance with your younger daughter at any cost because that’s what narcissists do." is 100% accurate. She's even said "You guys are JUST like each other and youre both JUST like your mother." trying to break the bond that we have.