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Am I getting worse?

Since yesterday, I have been feeling constantly criticized, judged, and unfairly treated at home, especially by my grandmother, whose words and behavior make me feel unappreciated no matter how hard I try. Even when I wake up early, wake my sister, and start making the beds so she doesn’t have to shout, she still finds reasons to complain. I feel that all my efforts—cooking food, preparing meals, cleaning the house, taking care of my younger brother, and trying to follow instructions—go unnoticed, and instead I am blamed for mistakes, sometimes in very hurtful ways. When I struggle with tasks, like cooking green vegetables that I am still learning to prepare, I feel that my inability to be perfect is seen as disrespect or laziness. I feel burdened by expectations that I take on responsibilities far beyond my age, almost as if I am already a parent or a mother to my siblings. At the same time, I am expected to excel in studies, to behave perfectly, and to follow strict household rules, while my father and grandparents rarely support me or acknowledge my efforts. When I try to explain myself or defend my actions, I am told not to talk back to elders, which makes me feel ignored and silenced. All of this has left me emotionally exhausted and mentally stressed, making it hard for me to focus on schoolwork, and even causing me to miss an exam that I actually wanted to attend. I also think about religious teachings that say girls carry the presence of goddesses like Lakshmi and Saraswati, and I feel frustrated that although people speak about these beliefs, the respect and care I am supposed to receive as a girl are not shown in my household. I feel trapped between trying to fulfill my responsibilities, learning new skills like cooking, and wanting to study and grow, all while feeling unsupported and emotionally drained. I want to explain everything to my mother when she comes, hoping she will understand, but until then, I feel overwhelmed, hurt, and alone, struggling to manage the expectations, criticism, and pressures that surround me every day.

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User Profile: Spiritriver
Spiritriver March 10th

@communicativeKiwi4255

 That's really sad that you are trying so hard, and you have to do it without encouragement, but instead have to deal with criticism. I hope your sister appreciates how you are caring for her. If you're like me, trying to be perfect can actually lead to making more mistakes than if you were just trying to do a decent job. It's also more exhausting.


It also sounds like your grandparents might be impossible to please, regardless of how much you try.


In answer to your title question "am I getting worse,” I doubt that you are, even though you may feel as though that's what's happening.


From the sound of it, I doubt that the criticism and impossible expectations will go away. I only hope that you can continue doing the best you can, and accept the situation, until you find an opportunity to change your circumstances.


I grew up in a toxic mess of a household. One consolation that I believe we both have in common is that even though the circumstances are/were really rough, we both continued to mature both physically and emotionally, and work towards a time of greater independence and fulfillment.

User Profile: Supporturself00
Supporturself00 March 10th

@communicativeKiwi4255

🙏🏻

Your feelings are completely valid 🫂

It’s exhausting to feel criticized and unappreciated despite all you do at home and school. Anyone in your situation would feel stressed and overwhelmed. Your feelings are completely valid.

Focus on doing your best and appreciating yourself. Mistakes are part of learning, and nobody is perfect. Protect your peace by valuing your actions over others’ opinions.

Share your thoughts and feelings with your mother or a trusted person. Talking helps lighten emotional burdens.

Take small breaks and do things that bring you joy. Reward yourself for your efforts—self-care and kindness are essential.

You are managing so many responsibilities at a young age, and your effort truly matters. Give yourself extra love, care, and compassion—you deserve it.

Sending applause and healing vibes to your heart 💕✨🪄🫂

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