In a perfect world, everyone has the family that they deserve – loving parents who do their best to rear their children with respect and thoughtfulness and children who benefit from that stable and educated relationship.
In the real world, anyone who wants to have children is allowed to do so, and so unfortunately, some children end up with parents who really should have thought twice before having kids at all.
Personal trainer Tijana Daly explained on her TikTok video that her own mother is a toxic narcissist, and went on to prove her point by sharing all of the nice and well-intentioned Christmas gifts her mother has flat-out rejected over the years.
Image Credit: TikTok
In her video she delights and horrifies viewers with the details on why she chose each gift and why her mother rejected them – right to her face.
And no, we’re not just talking about gifts she got her mother as an adult, either, she’s been rejecting presents at least since Tijana was 10 and got her mother ice skates.
Image Credit: TikTok
The trend continued over the years with lotions and sprays, a wallet, and even a gift card that was to the “wrong” store that she had “no way to even get to.”
Tijana’s last resort was an “experience” gift, a trip to Niagara Falls with her father, but that didn’t work either, since she wasn’t keen on spending that much alone time with her husband.
Image Credit: TikTok
Luckily, Tijana and her own partner got to enjoy that one instead.
She’s stopped trying to give her mother gifts she will like, and has some advice for others who live with toxic parents.
“Unpacking trauma takes a village and a trauma-informed therapist will do wonders for your healing. Otherwise, self-eduction is important on how to deal with narcissists. Fortunately, there is a ton of info available on social media right now to help.”
https://www.tiktok.com/@tijanadaly/video/7043562074726763781?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftiphero.com%2F&referer_video_id=7043562074726763781&refer=embed
If there’s one thing she wants you to remember above anything else, it’s that the way others behave is not on you.
“Throughout the process, remember that it is not your fault and you are worthy of a parent who respects and values your emotional health.
And get out of there ASAP!”
I’m sure there are more than a few people out there who needed to hear that when she said it.
If you’ve grown up with a toxic parent, share your own experiences with us in the comments – it just might be cathartic!
