I’ve posted a lot about my strained relationship with my daughter over the past 10+ years... and setting boundaries... and whatnot...

I have really been working hard on this. I have been having honest conversations with myself. I’ve been paying more attention and listening. What I’m seeing is my daughter just doesn’t like to be around me. I do notice that if I don’t say much at all and just listen and agree with everything she says... she’s more relaxed with me. Quite frankly, all indicators point to the glaringly obvious fact that she just doesn’t like me.

I’m talking with my counselor about this. Her angle on this is that I just need to live my life. I need to do what makes me happy. I have to make decisions that are best for me at all times. Easier said than done. It’s heartbreaking.

My daughter wants me to be around the baby. I appreciate that she includes me. I’m not allowed to have any opinions at all though so I say nothing. I walk on eggshells.

I don’t enjoy time around her... or around the baby... I feel censored and controlled. Her husband glares at me or ignores me if I talk to him. I suspect he drinks a lot. I suspect they both do. I will always respect their wishes and do my best to follow their rules.

Is it rude of me to limit time around them? Is that going to make the relationship more strained than it already is? I don’t want to ruin chances of a relationship with the baby. But I don’t see how I fit into the baby’s life anyway and I am miserable around them. I don’t want a conflict or complete estrangement with them. I just don’t want to deal with them...