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To respond to Feral Forgers rants...or just not

CLove's picture

Friends, I am so torn. At first when it was just me on the recieving end, I was torn but ended up simply not responding.

Firstly, the rant from SD22 Feral Forger:

She keeps texting nasty texts and they are all pretty much the same.

 "You took away my father as soon as you arrived, he hasnt been my father since me, he is just the sperm donor now."

"you have traumatized me by yelling at me when I was in my room."

"you are the (blank of blank town)" insert whatever you think is insulting, and whatever town - a town where I was assaulted and abused by my ex.

Ive been torn for a while, but aware that she keeps scraps of information and uses it to insult and push buttons, I just havent responded.

However, yesterday afternoon, she went after DH, again with the same rant she did about a month ago, and I can tell he is upset. The head knows shes full of BS and lies and is pushing buttons, the heart aches. I can see it.

Rant: 

"Mom sais that SD15 is her favorite. I wish I werent even born. You havent been my father since Clove popped in the picture. Shes the (blank of blank city) and you picked her over me so you are just the sperm door."

His response was just "I love you and your sister equally, and calling me your sperm donor wont make things better with us."

So - I really want to address her now. Im tired of her textually flogging my husband and also calling me names and disrepecting me.

But knowing that she will screenshot and post on social media, I hesitate. I at least want him to text her back that I am his wife and she needs to respect that relationship. We are a team. He hasnt responded, but he likes my suggestions. He is at a loss, and hurting.

Steptalkers. I really need some input and advice today. So many things run through my head, things I want to text her back. "Get a job" "Ive been so good to you and helped you and you disrepect me and spit on me" "YOU are responsible for your lack of relationship with your father, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with me, he has reached out several times and you shoot him down every time, so thats on YOU". I just want to scream...

Comments

Winterglow's picture

And all of the above is exactly why you should block her EVERYWHERE so that she can't get to you. You don't need to know what her sick little mind thinks of you. If anyone should be telling her to respect you it isn't you, it's your husband. Do not contact her. She has absolutely no reason to have any contact with you at all.

I would also highly recommend that your DH stop telling you about the crap she sends him. Either he deals with it or he blocks her too. She's 22 for goodness sake, not 6! Really, knowing what she writes to him does you no good. Ignore her - all she wants is a reaction. Don't give her that satisfaction. 

 

CLove's picture

He sometimes looks to me for my input. I am going to keep her blocked, and not respond, but make suggestions (ESMOD has a good one), and thank you for your input...I really appreciate it.

AgedOut's picture

I think you should not reply to her. Dad should start replying wih "I understand that you are upset about something else but I will not continue a conversation with you when you are being disrespectful. My wife and I are not your verbal punching bags. Please contact me once you have gotten beyond this. I love you, Dad."

CLove's picture

Short and to the point - thats how he texts exactly.

caninelover's picture

And...when FF has a brainwave and texts the same toxic garbage in a month, respond with the same text - verbatim.

CLove's picture

I think thats why I want to respond - she KEEPS IT UP and never stops. To wear people out and wear them down.

caninelover's picture

Yes she started on DH because you wouldn't engage.  I still wouldn't respond to her but let DH do so with a short response.  When she does it again, repeat it.  Or alternatively be more firm and state 'see prior response' or something like that.

Agree it isn't easy having these attacks hurled over the air but don't forget that DH created the monster.  Now the monster is coming for him.  He needs to decide how much he can/will put up with before he also needs to consider blocking.

lieutenant_dad's picture

Scream - into a pillow, in your car, in the shower - but don't respond to her. She wants a reason to be mad and play the victim. If your DH wants to respond, he can remind her that he loves her and be done with it.

FF won't be convinced, no matter what you say, that her behavior is part of the problem. Don't engage with her, but find other, healthy ways to let your anger and frustration out.

CLove's picture

I vent here. It has already helped me writing it out. It takes some of the sting out. You are right - it wont change anything at all. She wont see the truth for all her lies. And she will be snotty and have ammunition.

lieutenant_dad's picture

I still recommend finding a physical release of frustration. Venting here is great to relieve the mind, but the body remembers the feelings. Screaming, exercise, a walk around the block, singing at the top of your lungs, whatever it takes to release the bodily tension will help get rid of all the feelings your body has stored up about it.

ESMOD's picture

She wants a response.  She wants to inflict misery on you and your DH.. heck on anyone.  She is so miserable in her own life that she wants everyone to be in that same boat of misery.

You should not respond to her.. it will really not resolve anything... it doesn't matter whether what she says is true or not.

Your DH, on the other hand, can and probably should shut it down with a response along the following guidelines.

 

FF, It's clear you are miserable with your life and the choices you have made.   I have reached out countless times and had my hand slapped away for the effort.  Both Clove and I have tried to help you in countless ways, but you have chosen your own path and we cannot be held responsible for the decisions you have made in how you will live your life.  Clove is my wife and I expect my children to show her respect.  She has never discouraged my relationship with you and to the contrary has encouraged me to try to connect with you more times than you know.  This narrative in your head is just plain not true.  I'm sorry that you believe it, but it is not the reality of my relationship with you nor with Clove's involvement. If you want to have a relationship with me, I am open to that but I am not going to suspend my expectations of behavior and boundaries for my home.  If you need to seek counseling to work through your feelings, that would be your best option.  Passive aggressive and outright accusatory and inflammatory messages to me and my family are doing nothing to help your case and if anything making the real nature of the problem more apparent.

CLove's picture

In his words. Boundaries and respect. 

" If you want to have a relationship with me, I am open to that but I am not going to suspend my expectations of behavior and boundaries for my home".

" Both Clove and I have tried to help you in countless ways, but you have chosen your own path and we cannot be held responsible for the decisions you have made in how you will live your life."

These two really stick out to me. I will have to re-word it a little lol, the words are too big for her to understand their meaning...

SeeYouNever's picture

Don't respond, no matter how much you want to. If you do she won't even stop because she knows she can get to you if she says the right thing. Your DH shouldnt respond either, aside from what he said or something like "I'm sorry you feel that way" it will just bait her. He should keep it loving but neutral and not defend against what she says because that just validates her crazy. 

Really he should block her but he probably won't. 

I would be tempted to respond "k" or "unsubscribe" LOL just to enflame her Biggrin

CLove's picture

She wants that back-and-forth exchange. And she wants to put him in the difficult position of saying "no you cannot live here", and also wants to put him on the spot with me - because defending me and telling her she needs to show respect is "choosing me over her"...its the same chit different day.

I swear. Please just get a job and get out of our lives.

Jcksjj's picture

He should choose you over her because you're both adults and she's the one causing problems. Not to mention you're his partner and she is not.

Kes's picture

I don't really understand why you haven't already blocked her - why in the world should you have to receive these toxic communications?  Your DH should block her too. 

CLove's picture

He has not blocked her and he never will, because shes his DNA sample the fruit of his loins and he feels he will be a bad father if he blocks her.

CajunMom's picture

Do not give her an audience. It's exactly what she wants. I totally agree with WinterGlow. You need to block everywhere and your DH needs to stop telling you about her texts. He's also an adult and this is HIS problem to deal with. This is why I rarely ask my DH about his kids and their antics. I live by, ignorance is bliss. I also remember DH telling me years ago...it doesn't matter what people say about you. Those who know you, know the truth and love you.  Those who don't know you and believe the lies don't matter.

Protect yourself. New boundary....DH, do not tell me about any more texts. Deal with your adult daughter as you see fit. 

CLove's picture

do love me.

"Those who know you, know the truth and love you.  Those who don't know you and believe the lies don't matter."

Battling this for a while now and I am TIRED.

Stepdrama2020's picture

HUN, do not respond. Do not engage. Silence is the best answer for this shit. Feral forger is just that FERAL. You cannot reason with the unreasonable.

She upset your DH. Well too bad. He can decide how to proceed. He is a big boy. Do not give FERAL any more ammunition. BLOCK BLOCK and then BLOCK. 

You are better than this clusterfluck. Stay disengaged. I know you are a caring person and you care about DH, but you didnt create this monster so you cannot fix it.

Blessings to a FERAL FORGR FREE life cause she is blocked in your heart, mind, and soul.

If you want to answer do so but send a response on here, but not to her. Maybe that will get this out of your well intentioned system. It works I have sent many a crude rude FU text to my ex DH to my sister. What made it fun was she answered as if it was him. I ended up laughing not crying anymore. Try it its therapeutic.

justmakingthebest's picture

Response: "New number, who dis?"

Seriously, just ignore her. I know how strong that feeling is to want them to see things from your side and to realize that you never wanted anything bad for them- that you had rose colored glasses of a blending that worked! However, crazy BM's and their offspring make that impossible sometimes and your circumstances are one of those times! She won't read it other than to try and use it against you! 

CLove's picture

And she likes to post things on instagram. Screenshots things. SD15 has gotten backlash from it too.

TheAccidentalSM's picture

Just ignore.  Don't feed into the drama.  You know that these people feed off constant drama.

 

CLove's picture

Excitement from this is her endgame?

I think she is trying to gain sympathy and pressure DH into letting her move back in with us.

NoWireCoatHangarsEVER's picture

https://markmanson.net/responsibility-fault-fallacy 

My guru, Mark Manson wrote about this.  your SD never takes any responsibility.  She just likes to place blame fingers. 

 

"There’s a difference between blaming someone else for your situation and them being responsible for your situation. Nobody else is ever responsible for your situation but you. Many people may be to blame for your unhappiness, but nobody is ever responsible for your unhappiness but you. This is because you always get to choose how you see things, how you react to things. You always get to choose which metric with which to measure your experiences with."  

CLove's picture

Sending her links and information for self-help. And then I go into rage-hurt mode. Because Ive tried helping with money and tax returns (more $$) and she doesnt want any help except to move back in with us (I am certain this is her end-game because each and every time she has a conflict with her mother -over cleaning-things escalate, and she goes back to flogging her father for sympathy).

She will not live in my home ever again. I dont ever want to see her again.

HowLongIsForever's picture

If I were in your place I wouldn't respond to her.  Ever.  She wouldn't have the ability to contact me at all.

If I were in your husband's place, I would respond with an offer of discussion with a third party (therapist, counselor, etc.) to hash it out and try to repair things.

She's either damaged and in pain and doesn't know what to do with it - in which case she'll take him up on the offer.  He can work towards towards creating a healthy relationship with her. 

Or

She is her mother's daughter and she'll have an excuse to not do the work and keep shitting all over him.  He can move forward in his life without her.

It forces her to make a decision, to own the relationship and her part in it.  

 

 

CLove's picture

Anytime that suggestion is made she either retreats or goes into rage mode. She doesnt think she has done anything to cause her own problems.

I will suggest this, however, as a means to discovering if she truly is willing to do the work.

HowLongIsForever's picture

If he genuinely would want to repair things, though, I think making an offer to find help in facilitating could benefit him, as well.  Even if she declines.

They clearly aren't able to maintain a positive, or at least neutral, relationship on their own.  It's not a bad thing for him to admit he needs help and suggest that she participate.

She'll probably see it as admitting guilt and use it to bolster her story but it doesn't change the underlying facts that he would benefit from some guidance on how to deal with his daughter - actively in his life or not.

I don't doubt that she would decline it if it is presented as she's a problem.  I'm fairly certain she would decline even if not.  Doesn't sound like she's looking to repair things, just looking to lash out and solidify all the reasons why she's a perpetual victim.

Your husband can't force her to accept help.  You can't force him to accept help, either.  They would both benefit from a change in narrative, though.  And that's going to require at least one of them to make an honest effort to step out of the current cycle.

CLove's picture

Screenshot and sent to entire family...

Hmmmm. Maybe I need to stop caring about that too.

Thumper's picture

I am really sorry, REALLY sorry,  you are being treated like this. It is awful. Some people  put it in writing and others act out physically.  I  know how sickening it feels.

 Years ago I recall Dr. Phil coined this phrase.

'You can call me a SOB all you want. You are going to do it from afar" 

Something to that affect. ---

Your cell and email is private. I would block block block. 

So sorry Sad

*edit to add,,,to respond. Well that depends on her age. Minor,,nope dad should.

CLove's picture

Is blocked from my phone and SD15's. As well as all social media.

Thanks Thumper. Its all just really abusive and I want to rage out against it. Bullys are actually cowards and Im wanting to stand up to this bully for once and for all...but the consensus is for me to not respond to her at all...

JRI's picture

She will use anything you write against you.  Dont respond.  Your DH's former response was perfect, he can just repeat that.  

These folks thrive on drama.  Dont give her that opportunity.

CLove's picture

Im so tired of just taking it and taking it and then watching it all over through DH.

BUT you know the truth is she will use anything and everything as a weapon. Do you think he should at least mention that she needs to respect our relationship? Or just leave things as they are with his "I love you both equally"? Some others suggested that he offer to do therapy with her to have her take responsibility for herself...I dont think that would work. She likes the excitement of drama. I think shes just bored. Or wants to pressure him into letting her move in.

JRI's picture

The less either of you respond, the better.  I liked his former response, I'd repeat that.

You understand the timing, right? The holidays are coming and that ramps emotions up for these unstable folks.  I know I can expect the worst part of the year for the next month with SD.  You are probably in the same position.  It's not exactly about gifts, it seems to be "nobody loves me" (or loves me enough to solve all my problems, transform my personality, create world peace and cure cancer).

CLove's picture

In fact SD15 and I spoke about last year and how horrible the holiday was for both of us because of HER, and her antics.

SD15 even said "and you were nice enough to include her in your holiday photo". I jumped through all kinds of hoops to do a family holiday card with her in the picture. And then Christmas she crapped all over all of us.

And I STILL did her taxes and got her a bunch of $$ and took her out for bday and gave her $$.

So Im thinking what you are too - holiday cash grab, sympathy grab. "its the holidays and Im UNLOVED BY EVERYONE"

caninelover's picture

The less he mentions you in any response the better.  FF couldn't get you to engage directly so now this is her warpath.  DH needs to focus all communication on him and FF only.  

You don't currently interact with FF at all so no need to mention you.  If she asks him directly to move in he should say no because 1) FF, you are actually a legal adult and 2) FF, you are unpleasant to live with.

Harry's picture

She doesn't really work, has no BF. May not have any friends at all.  May have mental problems, LOL.   So all she wants to do is fight.

She want to entrain herself by fighting. But unfortunately most people just leave her as no friends.  So the only people she can fight with is a capative audience.  I.E.  You, DH, her DSister. And BM.  That only four people. So she has to play one against the other.

As we try to tell you,  one, there nothing you can do to change this behavior. Don't know what DH can do. If you let yourself be a punching bag. That what you will be. I know it's hard to disengage from her. But for your own mental well-being.  You must step back. Venting is great, gets it all out. 
But it still doesn't change anything.  Unless someone does something ,, it's all going around and around and around.

The girlfriend is sick. She needs help.  Really needs it for herself.   DH should try to get her help.

CLove's picture

But shes really rude (her true self) and we dont know how long that will last.

Shes got a few friends, but no one who wants to live with her (id take her off our hands).

You are right - she needs to make her changes and we need to stay away. And yes, she has no job, doesnt drive and no college classes - she must be pretty bored with no real life.

Shes currently blocked on my phone and social media.

CLove's picture

I know this - and it plays on my sympathyes - or used to...now - I just wish she would get herself healthy and go somewhere else...

tog redux's picture

Ignore. If you ignore 50 insults and then reply to the 51st, you will actually INCREASE her behavior, not decrease it. Intermittent reinforcement is the most effective kind.

As for DH, he can figure out how to reply on his own if it upsets you to hear about it. Once again he wants YOU to do the emotional labor rather than handling his messed up kid himself.  Tell him you don't want to know what she says about you, and you trust that he will handle it in the way that's best for him. 

Be the Best Ignorer of Ignore Town!

CLove's picture

Ill be the freaking MAYOR of Ignore Town.

I didnt realize that, about Intermittent Reinforcement. Ill have to read up on it.

I was thinking that she was just ramping up because of holidays - last year she got all kinds of attention and ca$h. And this year she wants to pluck the heartstrings and get more atttention and ca$h. It worked when she did this on her bday back in March. I texted and took her out for lunch and gave her a bday present and did her taxes and we took her out for bday dinner.

I figured it was rewarded last time so shes just going back to the feeding trough for more drama kibbles and rewards.

Hes just at such a loss of what to do. Nothing prepares you and he doesnt have support groups that hes a member of...

Aniki-Moderator's picture

I agree with others: your DH should simply repeat his previous response. Possibly with the addition that he will not respond to any future attacks/BS; only normal communication (someone else could word it much better).

CLove... tell your DH that - unless FF sends a message about actually working on repairing the relationship - you do NOT want to see/hear about any of the toxic tripe she spews. 

When BioHo texts my DH with a logical question, he will respond. When she's looking for attention, hounding him for money, being a major twunt, he ignores. 

Please talk to your DH about seeing a professional to discuss ways to deal with FF and her toxic caca. You, my dear, are too emotionally involved and it isn't good for your nerves. *give_rose*

CLove's picture

Thats a good idea, if he will go for it.

He thinks therapy is a waste of time and money and energy.

Shes an emotional vampire and she is causing chaos with everyone. Holiday cash and sympathy grab. Uggh. Thanks.

Birchclimber's picture

I read an article written by Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein, when in desperation, I went looking for advice on-line.  My OSD was being extremely rude, hurtful and accusatory in her emails to my DH.  The article that I stumbled upon was titled: Stop Being Manipulated by Your Adult Child with One Word.  I printed the article, highlighted the pertinent parts and put it on the table for my DH to read, so that he would be ready to deal with her next email. 

Spoiler Alert:  The word is simply, Enough
And THAT is what I would be sending to FF.  Enough.  No more of an explanation.  Just one word, the same word,.from both of you.

Simple, to the point, undisputable.

Big Hugs to you and keep us posted.  You should not be subjected to this degree of abuse from anyone.  Period!

CLove's picture

The article you mentioned.

As a parent coach, I often hear concerns similar to what Joan recently said to me: "My adult daughter Briana knows exactly what to say to make me feel guilty and then I give in to her unreasonable demands. I try to be kind and generous but she makes me feel like I am the worst, most unsupportive parent in the world!"
Returning now to the opening of this post: Joan's description of her adult daughter, Briana, (names changed for privacy) is heart-wrenching. She feels vulnerable to her adult daughter's manipulations. Many of my clients share similar stories with me. They feel sucked into the vortex of guilt-inducing messages such as:

If you really loved me, you wouldn't question why I need this!
You make me feel like the black sheep of this family!
You're selfish and never think about anyone but yourself!
You invalidate me all the time!
I thought I could count on you but obviously I can't!
Fine, I'll just end up homeless!
As a parent, maybe you can identify with being on the receiving end of toxic, manipulative messages like these. And if you can, you may ask, "So, now what do I do?" I can tell you that Joan learned to respond to these types of manipulations from Briana in a much more emotionally healthier way.

Now, what about you?

If you are sick and tired of the manipulation, here's a helpful word to empower you: Enough! As in, Enough is enough!

When your adult child tries to engage you through shame with pressuring demands, when your adult child is emotionally abusive, or when your adult child fails to acknowledge your love and/or the positive things you have done, you have to draw the line and say, or at the very least, think, Enough:

Enough of being a punching bag for misplaced and displaced disappointments and frustrations.
Enough of beating yourself up for past mistakes you've made as a parent.
Enough of being what I call a SWAT team parent. Stop setting yourself up to be on call to automatically respond to and solve the next manufactured, drama-laden crisis.
Enough negatively comparing yourself to parents of adult children who do not have the same struggles as your own.
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The next time your adult child tries to manipulate you or is hurtful toward you, step back and do the following:

Whether communicating in person, on the phone, or through text messages, within your mind, rise up and watch the toxic manipulations from above.
Understand these manipulations for what they are and thank yourself for seeing them instead of getting sucked in and being a victim to them.

Now, think "Enough!" and, if you feel it's appropriate, then also say, "Enough."
Realize that now knowing when enough is enough empowers you to set those crucial boundaries with your adult child and no longer be a victim of manipulations.

halo1998's picture

she is attention seeking. Very common tactic for personality disordered people....she needs attention so she is looking for your DH and/or you to respond to her.  

I would reply...We have already addressed these issues with you. Any further mention of these issues will be ignored.  

 

Then ignore....

CLove's picture

Im at that point that I feel all has been said already, except for "Clove is my wife and you are to respect her and stop trashing her." To enforce that boundary.

ICanMakeIt's picture

I absolutely agree ignoring 50 x and responding 51st time will increase this behavior.

I'd go so far as have your DH start ignoring her. She is a 22 year old adult. 

It's done. She's made her decisions and now time to live with the consequences. How much longer do mommy and daddy have to coddle her because of her issues. Nope what they are doing hasn't fixed her in all this time. Toxicness continues.

Time to try something different. Totally ignore, both of you.

See what happens. Maybe she will have to "pull herself up by the bootstraps" and get help on her own like a real adult. 

You've helped her get $ at tax time, your DH has tried. She is a user. 

CUT THE CORD. 

When she comes back and shows a change in a positive way then discuss a relationship. Who the EFF even wants a relationship with a toxic sewage dump like this? 

Survivingstephell's picture

Got a lawyer friend? Send a letter telling her stop.  She's harassing you.  She's 22 and plenty old enough to receive an official notice.   

Tiger7's picture

Look up the medical definition and I bet she hits each point. There's a really good series I found online given by a psychiatrist.  Can't remember his name.  He gives short videos on how to deal with sociopaths. I've had to cut a few people like this out of my life. They rarely change

Ispofacto's picture

If you have her entirely blocked, and DH insists on allow her crap in, maybe ask him to deal with it on his own from now on.  He doesn't have to share it with you.

 

MissK03's picture

I didn't read everyone's response but... F this girl. Seriously. You've wasted SOOOO much energy on her forever victim whining antics it's insane. 
 

Block her, tell your DH you don't want to hear about his lazy entitled daughter anymore. 
 

Enough is enough FFS. 

CLove's picture

Yep. She is incapable of building healthy relationships. She is a using b!tch, and I want nothing to do with her from this day forward. There are no open doors. Thats up to DH. Not me at all

StepUltimate's picture

My 1st thought at your title.

Now I'll go back up & read your actual blog & all the previous comments. Biggrin

CLove's picture

Im thinking over all the years and things Ive done for this ungrateful brat. And yeah, what a dummy for all I did this past year, but I did truly think we could build a decent relationship.

Shes simply incapable of having healthy relationships.