When a relationship is "like family" but in a bad way. "Like family" in the sense that it becomes the only allowable place to seek care. In that it legitimizes the isolation and violence of an us-vs-them mentality. In that it creates hierarchical power structures and conditions where abuse and control are both easily rationalized and near impossible to break out of. Where the only way to escape your subjugation is to stop being the child and become the parent, starting the cycle anew. And this is both expected and encouraged. Where you feel obligated to repay your caretaker by becoming the kind of person they want you to be. Where everyone looks a little too much like you.
Loading...
