Why Does Everyone Hate Me???

By Karen Bellamy

Another day, another disaster. My new boyfriend, Scott, just broke up with me. His reason? He said I was "manipulative" and that he "couldn't handle the mind games" anymore. The poor guy, he just couldn't appreciate my unique approach to relationships. I'm an expert at intermittent reinforcement—I give him a ton of affection one minute, then pull back and act distant the next. It’s like a slot machine; he never knows what he's going to get. It’s supposed to make him want me more! I even tried some of my cult psychology tricks on him, like love bombing him with compliments and gifts, but mostly bread crumbs. It worked for a while, but then he accused me of creating a "toxic dynamic." I mean, seriously? I’m just trying to keep things interesting for myself.

My sons are no help. Andy, my 18-year-old, just moved out without even telling me. I found out through my cold, distant mother, who, by the way, has always preferred my pathetic brother. Andy left a note saying he needed "space" and that he couldn’t "deal with my drama" anymore. I raised him to be a strong, independent man, but I guess I did too good of a job. And Alan, my 12-year-old, is a mess. He's failing all his classes and constantly has these "anxiety attacks." I told him he can't keep staying up all night and he can't keep skipping school, but he just cries more. I’m a psychology major, so I know a thing or two about mental health. I’m on numerous medications myself, but that's a sign of my depth and complexity, not weakness. And it's sooooo much fun when I mix them with alcohol! Who couldn't love me?

My ongoing divorce is another nightmare. My soon-to-be-ex-husband is a narcissist, just like my father and brother. They all think they're so much better than me. He's always trying to ruin my life, and I don't get why. I've always been the superior one in our marriage—smarter, prettier, more creative. All he did was work and pay the bills. Now he's trying to take everything, and my lawyer says my "behavior" isn't helping. What behavior? I just tell it like it is. It's not my fault no one can handle the truth. I'm a catch, a fascinating woman with a lot to offer, even if I am on the verge of bankruptcy and can't support myself like a functioning adult. Why can't people appreciate all of the other things I have to offer??? Like me? I'm a prize because of how smart and charming I am!

I feel like everyone in my life is out to get me. My family can't stand me, my boyfriends all leave me, and my kids are a wreck. Why can't they see how amazing I am? I'm completely honest about all the terrible things that happen, and I'm honest about how it's never my fault! But they still act like I'm the problem. I'm just trying to survive and be my best self, even if that means a little chaos and drama. Don't people understand that a little chaos makes life exciting?