Thanks Open Eyes

You could be describing my mother. Always been a drama queen but of course, it's everyone else but her. This trait has manifested itself in many ways. Another thing that's been used against me when I've passed just a simple comment about something. A way of restoring the attention back to her. Maybe my mother is getting a fix from this behaviour too.

Many times I've had to listen to the story of my traumatic birth because yes, it was dramatic. Apparently, the police visited my grandmother but not sure of reason, as I was born in hospital. Unless my father was at work. I've never really wanted to know all gory details and that's been subject of criticism too. Other issues since then have been compartmentalised and any attempt to merge with other subjects has generated the comment about relevance. So the more drama, the better. Of course, the one used the most is crying, or pretending to.

I agree, this behaviour is too draining and unpredictable, although if experienced enough, the signs become more obvious. I know she wants me to have the same low self-esteem and because I won't succumb, she's made it a lifelong quest to belittle me. I've recently updated the document where I've written down this behaviour. Need to do again, although it makes very sad reading.