Marlen Haushofer’s The Wall is one of my favourite novels of all time; if you haven’t read it yet, it is certainly a worthy choice for the currently ongoing WIT Month. However, the novel that introduced me to her writing and which I also liked very much was The Loft, translated by Amanda Prantera –…| Radhika's Reading Retreat
Letting go without closure from a narcissistic parent can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re waiting for an apology or acknowledgment that may never come. Narcissistic parents often prioritize their own needs over yours, using manipulation, emotional neglect, and control tactics to maintain their position. They typically lack empathy, avoid responsibility, and remain unwilling to recognize … Letting Go Without Closure: How to Heal from a Narcissistic Parent Read More » The post Le...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
“What if” sets the imagination soaring and compels writers to pick up their pens or pull out their laptops. It’s …Continue reading →| Deborah J. Brasket
Page count: 400 pagesRating: 4.5 stars| Malin's Blog of Books
Going no contact with parents isn’t a decision anyone makes lightly. Yet when someone chooses this path to escape abusive or toxic family dynamics, they’re often met with judgment, disbelief, and harsh criticism. Society tends to view these decisions as impulsive, selfish, or evidence that someone hasn’t tried hard enough. The reality is far more … Going No Contact with Parents: A Trauma-Informed Perspective Read More » The post Going No Contact with Parents: A Trauma-Informed Perspe...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Key Takeaways: We often associate grief with death. However, we can also experience grief when significant changes occur in our relationships with living people. This type of loss, known as a living loss, comes with unique challenges and emotional complexities—especially when society fails to understand or validate it. This is often the case for adult … How to Grieve and Recover from Family Estrangement Read More » The post How to Grieve and Recover from Family Estrangement appeared firs...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
I read Caroline Blackwood’s marvellous Great Granny Webster for #NYRBWomen25, the fifth book I’ve now read as part of this terrific reading project. I read this in April but could not write about i…| Radhika's Reading Retreat
Estranging yourself from family is a profoundly painful experience. Adult children go no contact, or reduce contact, with family members for many reasons, including abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), conflicting values, or a lack of acceptance regarding their identity. It’s a difficult decision, even when it’s the right one for your well-being. Creating a “chosen … How to Create Chosen Family When You’re Estranged from Family Read More » The post How to Create Chosen Family Wh...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
If you identify as an adult child of a dysfunctional, toxic, or emotionally immature parent, you may have noticed a relentless inner pressure to do everything just right. For many, perfectionism as an adult child is a survival strategy learned in childhood. When love, approval, or safety depended on performance, perfectionism becomes a way to … What Every Adult Child Needs to Know About Perfectionism Read More » The post What Every Adult Child Needs to Know About Perfectionism appeared fir...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Having a narcissistic parent can be draining and take a serious toll on all aspects of your life. In this article, I use the term narcissism to describe someone who needs constant attention, struggles to show empathy, and often puts their own needs above everyone else’s. As an adult child of a narcissistic parent, you … How to Set Boundaries with a Narcissistic Parent Read More » The post How to Set Boundaries with a Narcissistic Parent first appeared on Live Well with Sharon Martin. The...| Live Well with Sharon Martin
I read Jessica Mitford’s wonderful memoir Hons and Rebels in August as part of Kim’s ‘NYRBWomen24’ reading project but have only gotten to write about it now. I’ve always been fascinated by the Mit…| Radhika's Reading Retreat
Being estranged from family—even when it’s by choice—is a painful experience. Supportive friends can be instrumental in helping people cope and recover from the effects of family conflicts and abuse, as well as the stigma of family estrangement. Unfortunately, many of us don't know how best to support a friend who's estranged from family. This article will| Live Well with Sharon Martin - Support for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Fa...
After having read and loved Barbara Comyns’ wonderful Who Was Changed and Who Was Dead earlier this year, I was more than happy to read (more precisely to reread) another of her novels – The Vet’s …| Radhika's Reading Retreat
How to accept when someone doesn't want to change or doesn't want your help. When to stop trying to help people who don't want to change.| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Mother's Day is painful is you aren't close to your mother. Learn how to navigate the holiday and prioritize your well-being.| Live Well with Sharon Martin
Adult children of alcoholics and dysfunctional families often struggle with low self-worth and shame because they mistakenly blame themselves.| Dr. Sharon Martin, LCSW
