Yesterday it happened again!

Did some jobs for mother then we were talking about Christmas and the negativity started again. My aunt has said something to her about meeting up for a meal, "that's if you want to". Mother has taken offence, so we had the usual about aunt's attitude.

What followed next, I thought she was going to have a seizure. Started shaking and talking strangely. After about 15 minutes and some sips of brandy, she calmed down. Then continued the vitriol about how I didn't understand. "Every time I bring up this subject, you either say nothing or this happens". Well yes mother, because very time I'm taking the rap for another's behaviour.

Of course, it's all my fault because I have no compassion, no heart, etc. I countered with the suggestion she was trying to grind me down into a person who had no life, no opinions. Just a mouse who took this unacceptable treatment without question or defence. She then pleaded with me not to tell my brother and my aunt about her "episode". I said I would talk to who I liked as there were a lot of lies circulating about me within the family.

She then needed to get something to eat, so I picked up my bag to leave. Followed me to door and started shouting about my lack of compassion.

Had lengthy phone chat with my aunt who is at a loss to understand why this keeps happening. She agreed that I should not be taking the blame for something she's said.

I'm not looking forward to Christmas and feel trapped now I've agreed to Christmas lunch at my brother's. I know if I tried to discuss these events with him, he would just either take her side or tell me to change my attitude.