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29 Skeletons In The Closet That These Folks Still Hide From Their Families, As Shared Online
Everybody keeps secrets. Perhaps it’s to protect someone from the harsh truth, or maybe you do it because you’re scared of judgment – the point is, everyone has their own reasoning. But when you’ve kept something in for so long, sometimes you’ve just gotta let it all out, and isn’t it grand to have an opportunity to do it anonymously?
“What is the biggest secret you’ve ever kept from your family?” – this netizen took to one of Reddit’s groups, inviting its members to share the deepest secrets they’ve ever kept from their close ones.
More info: Reddit
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#1
My family has no idea that I had an abortion when I was 23. They would never, ever forgive me.
Edit: I have no guilt or regret over my decision. If forgiveness was ever needed, I gave it to myself a long time ago. However, it would not be worth the headache I would get from my deeply right-wing family if they ever found out. All they ever need to know is that my mom thought i was pregnant and it turned out I wasn't.
Second edit: instead of giving awards to this post please give money to pro-choice charities. I know what it is to be pregnant and desperate for options. There is nothing okay with denying that choice to others.
Cosmologist wannabe 2 years ago
there is nothing wrong with having an abortion. it is your choice. sure life is precious, but life is equally as hard and stressful. I am just a 14 year old male, and my siblings and I have put a lot of stress on our parents. My parents were fairly wealthy and wanted to have children, and could support children. There are many people who do not have enough money/time to raise children and/or do not want to have children.
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
Putting this here on the off chance that someone may need it (or know someone who does.) If you are currently in a U.S. state that is hellbent on denying (or has already outlawed) access to abortion care, there is a sub full of kind people willing to help. R slash Auntie Network.
Midnightoil 2 years ago
You have no need to forgive yourself. Maybe you were not ready for children (and maybe never were). Or not... It is your choice and your choice alone.
Debbie Phillips 2 years ago
65 year old male conservative here. My wife and I made the choice that we did not want anything to do with abortions. But we believe everyone has a right to choose for themselves, and we're from Texas!!!
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 years ago
My favorite thing to do lately: walk up to a protester at an abortion clinic and say "why thank you for offering to take my child! When can I expect the support checks, or how soon can you come pick up the kid once I've delivered?" They'll start hemming and hawing and stammering because they don't expect it. Insist that yes, they need to take responsibility for it. THEY WILL INSTANTLY BACKPEDAL lol they don't care once it's been born. Spoiler alert: I'm 48 and already gone through menopause. ;) The looks on their faces are PRICELESS.
hitex 2 years ago
You should not be ashamed for the choices in life you make you believe are informed and best for you. Your family does not have the right to judge that. While I believe in life, each person has to live his or her life in the manner they best deem fit & regardless of any other opinion on it, because you cannot judge what you are not living yourself. I am disappointed that your family cannot empathize to the extent that you felt the need to hide it from them & shame on them for that
Saint Tim the Godless 2 years ago
For all the religious kooks commenting on this post, next time I'm by a Planned Parenthood I'm going to give them $100 and think of you. :)
ThatOmniCapybara(she/they) 2 years ago
I do think that abortions should only be used when necessary and that they are horrible and sad, but they ARE sometimes necessary, such as in your case.
RELATED:
#2
Honestly, just how much my cousin has improved my life.
My parents were total s**tbags. Both dead now, my aunt and uncle raised me. They were amazing people, sadly both of them died in a car accident a few years ago and left behind my cousin.
It was a hell of a battle gaining guardianship over her, even though she wanted that as well. (I'm male, and was single at the time) so that was a pain to deal with.
But yeah, she's really just put a sparkle in my life that was never there before. I had a really s****y childhood, and my teenage years were rough till I moved in with my aunt and uncle.
Being responsible for her really pushed me to succeed, and now I'm living very comfortably, and semi retired. And I attribute that drive to better myself to her. Because after loosing her parents, I never want her to have a bad day again.
Junebugjump! 2 years ago
This wins the internet today. What an angel you are to fight for your cousin while you were both undergoing tragic losses. I'm so happy you are both happy.
Thee8thsense 2 years ago
Your parents might have been s#@*bags, but you turned out to be an outstanding individual who is able to think and feel beyond your own needs. Something tells me your cousin would say she feels about you as you do about her.
Susan Robinson 2 years ago
This is amazing…but I don’t understand how this relates to having a skeleton in the closet 🤔 Unless you mean an ACTUAL skeleton!
Nitka Tsar 2 years ago
Gosh, I‘m tearing up! This is what kindness and compassion can do to people. He wanted to better himself for her. I‘ll bet that is at least partly because her parents made his life better. Imagine what would happen if everyone was like that. Just be kind people. Imagine what impact your kindness might have on other people!
#3
Self-harm. And that the only reason I didn't end myself between 11 and 17 was because I'm an only child and I was sure my mom would never survive.
It's pretty damn awful to discover that you can actually not survive but just live also for yourself. And have real pleasure. That life can be enjoyable.
Edit : a bit horrified by how quick the number of likes is increasing ... If anyone of you need it ; I love you, I give you a hug, I hope you enjoy your day and that you didn't forgot to drink and eat. Am your SH godmother and no, you didn't deserved to be so worry that you were afraid for the feelings of the adults surrounding you as a child. NEVER. You deserved to be helped and to live a normal childhood.
If anyone wants to talk, come to my DM. 876 days free from SH, so I can hear pretty anything.
EDIT 2 : I would have loved to create a kinda AA equivalent for the mental issues : depression, suicide, anxiety, bipolarity ... When I see how many people want to talk, I really feel like it would be worthy.
EDIT 3 : Following the advice of a fellow Redditer, I created an AngelsAnonymous community to let a free space for anyone to talk about any mental issue you have, or any mark year you want to celebrate. I absolutely don't know how to share it ^^' but it's written r/AngelsAnonymous . I'm going to try to create a few groups to talk in. Feel free to come in, you're safe there <3
EDIT 4 : I insist, everyone is welcome on r/AngelsAnonymous ; no matter what you need, how you feel, what happened to you, we are all little angels trying to help each other. I can't make it live on my own, speak on it, do your own post, that's OUR family safe space.
EDIT 5 : I'm amazed by the dozen of people who came to me to talk about their stories. Yet a lot of people are member without writing anything. Write. Tell. Express yourself. It's a free space and no one may judge you in it. You're worthy of respect and you deserve to be heard.
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
There are so many support subs on Reddit. People talk about the site like it's full of garbage, but holy c**p can it be helpful. I am not exaggerating when I say that there are two subs on there that have saved my life, more than once.
peace 2 years ago
internet communities can be amazing. i am happy to read, that you found help there Aisling Raye. i did too.
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Phoenix the Frog 2 years ago
I feel for this person. I am a only kid so I understand knowing how devastated your parents will be if you pass.
Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 2 years ago
Omg I almost cried over this. A few days ago I messed up after quite a while of being clean and this person honestly is the sweetest person
Laura Crowther 2 years ago
What an amazing person so happy that your getting througb your troubles
#4
My 14 year old godson is actually my biological child. About 16 years ago, I disappeared in the middle of the night to start a new life away from my toxic family and went no contact with them for 3 years. I ended up getting pregnant from a one night stand. I was homeless at the time so keeping my son was not an option. My ex-best friend and her husband had been struggling to start a family of their own so they offered to adopt my child.
Plot twist: My husband and I currently have custody of my child and his 4 siblings. Their parents are in jail for domestic violence and child neglect.
EDIT: Holy bananas! I did not expect this to blow up. I want to clarity a few things:
1. My son does not know I am his biological mother but we plan to tell him soon. My husband and I plan to petition to adopt him and his siblings. Our lawyer warned us that his parentage would come up during the process. I want my son to hear it from me. He is currently battling PTSD due to the incident that brought the kids into our care. We are working with his therapist to find the best way to tell him the truth without causing him more trauma. He mental health is our top priority.
2. My ex-friend has endometriosis which affects fertility. Pregnancy can put endometriosis into remission for some women. She was one of the lucky ones. Once in remission, she had no trouble conceiving the other 4 kids.
3. My husband and I are raising 10 children. We are in the process of adopting my 12 year old cousin and took custody of her two older sisters last week. We also have a set of biological 1 year old twins. Eighteen months ago, we had **zero** kids.
Full of Giggles 2 years ago
Oh god no! We only have 10 kids. I don’t know if my husband and I could handle two more. Lol
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Apps 2 years ago
That boy knows more than OP thinks. My best friend had a brother who OD on heroine. He left behind 2 little boys. 1 boy was adopted by my friend and the other boy was adopted by my friend's mother. So, grandma had 1 son and daughter took the other son. Hope that's not confusing - anyway, they never told the boys that they were related as brothers, just cousins. Idk why. When the oldest was 8 years old, he asked his mother (my friend) when he could go to grandma's to visit his brother. That boy knew and said just that when asked how he knew. As a woman with a non biological father listed on my birth certificate, I can tell you I knew I was not my father's daughter. I personally think its the lying and secrecy that's the most upsetting part when kids finally learn the truth.
Full of Giggles 2 years ago (edited)
So, this is my story. My son is 100% oblivious. He genuinely thinks his adoptive parents are his biological parents. His mom and I look very similar so it’s easy to believe she’s his bio mom. I absolutely hate lying to him. Unfortunately, I was not his legal parents so I had no say in the decision. Even though we now have legal custody of him, we still had to get permission from his adoptive parents to reveal the truth.
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Robert D 2 years ago
I hope you live in a country or state that offers help. Here in America the christian conservative attitude is often, "if ya can't feed em don't breed em". You know, like Jesus taught them.
Full of Giggles 2 years ago
I do live in a state that offers assistance. Thankfully, my husband and I are financially stable and don’t need aide.
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Kandy Haldeman 2 years ago
We have good friends who have two grown children and 10 children they fostered and adopted - it's a wonderful sight to see them all together. The kids really bloomed. Good luck and don't sweat the small stuff, you've got this.
#5
I had a miscarriage on my 17th birthday. I had found out I was pregnant 3 days after my HS boyfriend and I had broken up when my sister caught him f*****g my best friend. I didn’t tell anyone I was pregnant, except him. I hadn’t figured out what I was going to do yet, or how to tell them.
Turned out to not matter, because 2 weeks later, again, on my birthday, I woke up in incredible pain and my bed was just covered in blood. I was home alone, so I just called my ex to take me to the hospital and never said a word to anyone in my family. He and the girl he cheated on me with showed up, and she cleaned up the bed while he drove me to the hospital. I had already passed the fetus - she found it.
It messed me up for a long time, and I tried to kill myself not long after that. My family does know about that, but they assumed it was a combination of my anxiety meds and my breakup. Those were factors, but the miscarriage was a big factor, too.
ETA: Thank you everyone for the kind words. This was nearly 15 years ago now, and I’d say I’be healed now. I still think about it from time to time, think about how I’d have a teenager by now, and how different my life would be (I came out as gay about 5 years later, started dating a woman and moved across the country with her, later marrying her. We have no children). I’m grateful that I could heal and see a better life for myself after that.
ThatOmniCapybara(she/they) 2 years ago
I'm so sorry you had to go through that, hope you are ok now
WiggleJiggle the Emo Penguin 2 years ago
I just saw ur bio it’s hilarious 😭
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Sonja 2 years ago
In the end the cheaters still behaved pretty decently, helping her in that way. Especially the girl, cleaning everything up. Cheating is bad, but they were just in HS and when it counted they did the right thing for OP. That is hopeful. I really hope OP is in a better place now and it's sad she had no one to support her so she had to turn to her cheating ex and his new gf.
pink_panda 2 years ago (edited)
I'm so glad they showed up to help OP when she needed it, in spite of the terrible betrayal of cheating. People are not black and white. My heart hurts for the girl that OP was on her 17th birthday but I'm so relieved that she wasn't alone to have to handle that situation.
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malaixa 2 years ago
It takes tremendous courage to share such a deeply personal story, and I commend you for your bravery. It's never easy to reveal something so painful and vulnerable about ourselves, especially to those closest to us. I hope that in sharing your experience, you find a sense of healing and closure, and that it inspires others to be more open and empathetic towards those struggling with similar challenges. Remember that you are not defined by your past, and that you are a strong and resilient person for overcoming such a difficult situation. Sending you love and support.
Kerry Borthwick 2 years ago
13 years ago I miscarried 12 week twins I nearly died the only ppl that know is me my bf and my mum it hurts every year and I get PTSD flashbacks but I'm getting there and hopefully u got the support u needed
pink_panda 2 years ago
Hi Kerry, wishing you healing from that trauma. Hugs.
Load More Replies... Ryan Frundles 2 years ago
Reminder that just because someone cheated, doesn't make them the worst person in the world. Still scummy asf, but at least the ex came back to help when things got serious
Nitka Tsar 2 years ago
I wonder if the new girlfriend suffer any mental health issues or something after finding the fetus. It was good of her to help like that.
VeninTheNonBinaryRogue 2 years ago
we dont know how long she was pregnant before she miscarried
Load More Replies... #6
So…. My brother and I saw Aliens as a kid and we were super intrigued by the flame throwers.
In a feat of idiotic 13 year old brilliance, we determined that a super soaker filled with aquanet with a butane lighter strapped to the front might actually work the same.
To our utter shock, it did. Shot twenty foot streams of sticky flame. We were just overjoyed. Until said sticky flame hit the side of the house and caught it on fire. Oh s**t! So we race over and between my shirt and the hose get it out, but there’s a large dark spot on the side of the house.
So we disassemble and clean out the flamethrower and mums the word.
Thirty years later, we’re eating dinner over at the folks, and dad remarks they’ve painted the house and ‘finally got rid of that weird dark spot’. Much stealthy chortling ensued.
Honestly. How do kids survive childhood? We’re all idiots.
crowspectre (he/they) 2 years ago
As a teenager I'm very confused as to how I'm still alive
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Dizzie D 2 years ago
Am I the only one who thought that their secret (from the opening line) is that they saw actual aliens?
Ken Beattie 2 years ago
I did too. I was thinking "WTF? When did aliens go from a**l probes to flamethrowers?" before I realised they meant the movie.
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StitchIsCuteAndFluffy 2 years ago
Apparently I’m the only one who hasn’t done anything ridiculously dangerous. Except I’m just remembering that last month my brother and I were in a forest (near the street, can find our way out), and we climbed up a rock-cliff thing. Super dangerous. Probably could have gotten injured or worse if we fell. We were definitely old enough to know we were being stupid. But nothing bad happened and I got to spend time with him, so no regrets.
Bell-acose 2 years ago
Aliens. The film Aliens. Okay. That one took me longer than I’d care to admit. I was wondering why everyone was glossing over that part!
Bec 2 years ago
We took apart fireworks and used the gunpowder to make bombs with some old jars. We just spent the day blowing up some cow patties out in a field, but probably could have gotten hurt.
Nikki138 2 years ago
Lighting leaves on fire in the woods and stomping it out before it got too big. Jumping giant staircases with my trusty bike, jumping off of really high walls and fences, and my ever so popular skateboard meets slide situation. Antics of a child. Knock on wood I never broke anything.
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Susan Robinson 2 years ago
I read the first sentence and was so confused…then I figured out they were talking about a MOVIE not The Grays!
#7
I gave $10k to a woman overseas I met online so she could leave Egypt and study in Germany, despite being pretty broke at the time. She did actually go study in Germany and I met her there. A few years later she paid me back.
And yes there was a bit of romance at one point (long after the loan) but it didn't last long. I should also mention we are the same age. We're still close.
hitex 2 years ago
I was totally expecting a Nigerian Price or Princess of Ghana tale - & I was totally wrong
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Freya the Wanderer 2 years ago
Well, we have only this person's word for it. Even if the story is true, it will encourage people to give money to scammers - as well as scammers to scam.
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Ken Beattie 2 years ago
Might have been 10k over time. Like paid airfare one month, paid accommodation each month and so on.
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Max Fox 2 years ago
If it's true, "met online" doesn't have to mean That she sent him an email with a sob story and he sent $10K. They could have been long-term online friends, with skyping and such. Moreover, "I need $10,000 to get from one overseas place to another, to study, and I only promise to try and pay you back if I can" is not the same as "send me $10,000 so I can come to your home and you can marry me".
#8
Just how stressed out, depressed, and lonely I am.
Your Neighborhood Alien 2 years ago (edited)
❤️Sending hugs, my fellow loner, and to all of you who need it❤️
Cosmologist wannabe 2 years ago
depression is hard. the feeling of emptiness, and numbness is so hard. depression sucks. you can't just 'deal with it'. You need people to help you deal with it, to lift you out of depression. stress is also very hard with depression. anxiety brings depression, which brings more anxiety, which brings more depression, and on and on.
Robyn Acker 2 years ago
Please reach out for help. I finally am starting therapy again, 5 months after my husband died. I thought I could battle through it but realized I can't.
Spongebob Sadpants 2 years ago
I understand. I didn't start feeling well until I adopted my dogs. I'm still depressed, but they depend on me and that is what keeps me going.
Fickle_Pickle 2 years ago
I don’t have people I can call real friends. I have lots of acquaintances, but no one to talk to when I’m going through something. It’s hard. I’m lonely. But I can’t let my husband and kids know.
#9
My alcoholism.
I'm 600+ days sober
Edit: I should clarify. My wife knows, and she's been my rock and my biggest supporter through the whole thing. But my wife and my therapist are the only people who know. My Mom and brother have no idea.
Edit edit: If you're looking to stop drinking or have trouble doing so, go to r/stopdrinking. Those fine folks have talked me out of relapsing many times
hitex 2 years ago
I have been sober since Dec 19. Not many knew about it initially but those closest were aware. But I've been more open lately when turning down a drink or when someone asks why I don't drink in telling them, "well, I've discovered I'm an alcoholic now, so it's no good for me"
The Other Other White Meat 2 years ago
That's so amazing!! Hopefully one day I'll be able to say the same about sobriety 💙 I take "breaks" but only because if I don't, I spiral. I'm a "daily drinker" and although I've tried to excuse it for many different reasons, I don't have a valid excuse. My problem is, I can't have "just one". I aspire to form a better relationship with myself so I can distinguish when enough is enough.
Ginny Crouse 2 years ago
I've been sober for almost 22 years, but it still isn't always easy. A wonderful rehab and AA has helped me through the rough times. It's hard at first to let people know, but after a while you realize most people congratulate you and support you. Don't be embarrassed. You have a disease, not a moral failing.
hitex 2 years ago
I thought I could self-help it to stop (I'm an attorney, I thought I could teach myself better). Turns out I taught myself how to hide it better. Most important for me was finding small group of friends who are former addicts & we text and communicate our understood feelings. AA is great, but I had 2 or 3 individuals I met in rehab that I continue to communicate with daily or weekly. The other biggest key for me was counseling. Only through counseling and CBT have I learned what thoughts lead me to trigger the desires to drink. Don't get me wrong, the desire still pops it's ugly head up frequently, but it's not constant persistently there all day every day
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Valerie G. 2 years ago
I quit in 1978 when I was 26 and there are days when I'm sorely tempted. I told my husband that if I found out I was terminally ill that I wanted a bottle of apricot brandy and a good gin from the liquor store to go with some ginger ale. That was my favourite drink. I'm 72 now, have weathered two bouts of cancer, so knock on wood. Congrats on your 600 days.
Michaelann Dahlman 2 years ago
I quit over 40 years ago. I had ulcers & the drinking was literally killing me. Congrats & good luck to you.
Amanda Hunter 2 years ago
Stick to it, my ex got sober and said to me once, " if I start drinking again I'll die". Well, he started drinking again, and yes, he died.
#10
I was SAed from 11-16 by my “cousin” and I reported at 17. No one believed me. Half even blame me. Even my father has a familiar relationship with the guy.
Annie 1973 2 years ago
I was SA by my mother's brother at age 8. R*ped and s*demised by him. He said if I didn't let him do what he wanted he would do it to my 1 year old baby sister who was in a bed in my bedroom and I knew he would most probably k*ll her so I said he could do what he wanted to me and I promised not to make any noise. The pain was horrendous but I never made a sound and I screamed inside my head instead. Next day I told mother what he had done and she told me I'd obviously forced him to do it to me because I was a sl*t. I was 8 and protecting my baby sister.
Agnes Jekyll 2 years ago
Oh Annie, I'm so sorry. I know you know this, but I believe you. I'm sending your 8-year-old self a hug because I don't know what else to do.
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Littlemiss 2 years ago
Sadly this happens more than people realize. Family choose the perp not the victim because it fits their belief and abuse systems better. I hope OP has left the family circle and stopped all contact for their sake.
Bobbi Hopfensperger 2 years ago
I am very sorry this happened to you. Please know that it was not your fault, you did nothing wrong.
Shannon Donnelly 2 years ago
One of the few truly awesome things about being an adult is the ability to choose your "family". Blood means nothing. Choose your family based on how people treat you, not if they are biologically related to you. I'm so sorry you were put through double trauma; first the assaults, then being called a liar by your own mother. I hope you've found more loving and understanding people to help you deal with all of this.
#11
This is hard, but just how frustrated I am with them. They wouldn’t have any clue just how angry I am at them for the things they did to me as a child and how much I blame them for my insecurities and lack of confidence as an adult. And that we might seem ok every time I visit with them, but how I just want to yell at them and ask them why, why they had to be so hard on me and couldn’t just accept me for what I was when I was a teenager.
malaixa 2 years ago
My dearest 'Ok-Try4295', as you navigate the complex emotions surrounding your past, it's important to acknowledge the strength and courage it takes to confront these difficult memories. It's natural to feel frustrated and resentful towards those who have caused us harm, but it's important to also recognize that harboring anger and resentment can prevent us from fully healing and moving forward. You deserve to have a supportive and loving network of people around you who can help you on this journey. Remember that healing is a process, and it's not always easy. But every step you take towards healing and self-care is a step in the right direction. You have the power to overcome these challenges and create a brighter future for yourself. Keep writing and expressing yourself. Your voice is powerful, and your story can inspire others to face their own skeletons in the closet. Keep pushing forward, 'Ok-Try4295', and know that you are capable of incredible growth and resilience.
Cosmologist wannabe 2 years ago
child abuse is hard. Even 'light' abuse is very heavy on the children.
Chewie Baron 2 years ago
Can confirm, my childhood is split into two halves, and they both gave me PTSD.
Load More Replies... Midnightoil 2 years ago
I don't know if this will help or even be related... I was going to be given up for adoption because I wasn't a boy. My parents already had my sister (I don't know which one wanted to give me up or both). I was going to be adopted by an aunt and uncle but somehow a argument happened and it did not happen). My life with mom was fine but to my father I was obviously in the way. I could do nothing right. Nothing. My mom told me when I was a teen that he came back from the war (WW2), very different from the man she married. I would say he was a very functional alcoholic. He did not soften until he was about 60yrs old and I was gone college/married. I stood wanted to ask why he hated me but was too afraid of him. He died early of dementia. Now I wish I would have asked him. It may give you some peace if you do, or you may not like the truth if it is different. I hope you are brave and face them. God speed.
Sunshine Lady 2 years ago
I have similar relationship with my mother. I get nervous when she is around, never actually felt loved by her. I know well that she doesn't love me and she blames me for ruining her life (gave birth to me when she was 17 ans married my father, she hates him as well). I also know she is still talking to me so she can see her grandchildren, because she loves them. But every now ans then I feel deeply sad, because I've never had a mother to love me, listen to me and help me grow up.
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago (edited)
I had a Grandmother like that (ding dong, the witch is dead). I was chubby as a kid and she would greet me with "Here's our little fat girl!" which seemed like an oxymoron, but whatever. While everyone else was eating pot roast and mashed potatoes, I got a "salad", which was basically a plate of lettuce with maybe a tomato slice on it. She had been really abusive to my Mom as a kid, so Mom never stood up for me. I did it myself when I was about 12. I asked her point blank why she was such a f*cking b*tch all the time and told her that no one really liked her we only visited because of Grandpa - which in my case was true. He was always so sweet to me. Needless to say I didn't have to attend any more Sunday dinners. I hated that woman until the day she died. We attended the same wedding one time & she completely ignored me - mainly because I had lost weight, had an amazing$ job, a good looking husband and well mannered children, so she didn't have anything to pick on me for.
Lynette Vella 2 years ago
I'll be 60 in a week and I still feel the same way. Maybe it's because life's been hard even though I've tried my best to get an education, a career, a family, and travel, or maybe life's been hard because of the way I was frightened and emotionally abused as a kid and, then, physically abandoned at 16. Either way, I'm recently retired and living in a new community and struggling bonding with people because I'm so used to being hurt or dismissed. Sometimes it's hard even to smile or engage in conversation.
Lea Panthera 2 years ago
My parents always tell me that they're there for me whenever I want to talk about my mental health, but like most of my mental health problems are caused, directly and/or indirectly, by them, so like...
#12
A secret from my grandparents who I adored. They were actually my great aunt and uncle, having raised my mother from the age of 2.
Her mother had passed away and her father was an alcoholic, who ended up enlisting and going to war during WWII.
I had a habit of looking through my parent's wedding album when I was very young. I loved the dresses, etc. At the back of the book was their marriage license and I saw when I was about 11 that my mother's last name was not the same as my grandparents last name. I asked her and she told me they were not her biological parents.
I never told them I knew because I didn't want them to feel less than my grandparents which they absolutely were.
By this time my biological grandfather had passed.
They were always nana and grandpa to me and they were amazing grandparents.
Nadja Lambacher 2 years ago
OP found out that their mom was raised by her aunt and uncle. So their grandparents are actually grand aunt and grand uncle. But they never told them they found out because OP considers them their real grandparents.
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Anita Gamble 2 years ago
sorry, i am a bit confused here. How can your 'grandmother' not know your mother is not her biological daughter? Surely she would realise she had not given birth to her. Or have i just read this wrong.
Nadja Lambacher 2 years ago
Of course she knows. They just don't know that the grandchild knows it too.
Load More Replies... Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
I discovered my Mom was pregnant with me when she & my Dad got married. I found a picture of the cruise they took on their honeymoon and the date of August 18, 1962 on the back. Even at 7, I could do the math between August 1962 and March 6, 1963.
#13
Okay I've been wanting a thread to share this in for ages.
So this is my secret with my mum and dad from everyone else in the family.
My dad is married to another woman. Mum is single. Mum and "dad" (hard to actually call him that) have been having an affair for 30+ years, even their best friends don't know about it. I was an accident. Dad stepped out of picture because my parents didn't want me to know about the affair and who he was. At 15 when I was told who he was, and tried to act cool to not upset my mum, he came back into my mum's life (but absolutely not mine). I have three siblings who don't know I exist. 2 brothers and a sister. They have the most amazing life, two parent income, holidays, all the things I wanted as a kid in a family of 3 with a single mum. I went to high school with my brother. I'm mid 20s now, I still want to meet them, I just can't be the one to break the secret and crush two families.
ginny weasley 2 years ago
DNA tests are blowing these secrets open right and left. Just take a test and put it in the database. if they do the same they will know
Aboredpanda 2 years ago
This "dad" seems like an incredibly irresponsible and selfish human being.
The Silly Stellar Jay 2 years ago
I don't think you would be crushing anything. Clearing the air about something that is weighing on you and you had no part in might be healing for everyone.
Amanda Hunter 2 years ago
Similar story here, my dad married another woman while still married to my mum. Had another family, I don't have details and I bet they don't know about me either.
Judit Hajdu 2 years ago
I would do it - you are absolutely innocent and just want to meet your extended family and be part of their lives
#14
This was a long time ago, but I pretended to graduate from college after four years of my family paying for it. The last semester of my senior year I was told that because of an incomplete my sophomore year I wouldn't be graduating. When I promised to re-take that class over the summer, they allowed me to march with my classmates in a cap and gown. Instead of telling my family the truth I just went ahead with it, the whole family came, big party etc. Of course I did not take the class that summer.
That hung over my head for 20+ years when after getting sober I completed my degree by working with the college and taking a local class.
Susan Robinson 2 years ago
Well, this sounds very much like what happened to me during college. I am still embarrassed about being so close to graduating and walking away…and that happened 25 years ago ☹️
#15
When I was a kid I dropped the rake while working in the yard and the handle landed in dog poop. Instead of cleaning it off I used duct tape to seal off the poop from the outside world. It ended up being used for almost 10 years after that and I always thought about that rakes dirty secret. The secret was poop!
#16
I had no home or place to stay when I was 19-21 years old. I slept in phone booths, sometimes at a friends house. Everything turned out all right once I got a girlfriend, moved into her/her moms house, started a career in programming.
Not many people actually know this.
Junebugjump! 2 years ago
Suffering homelessness was a dearest life lesson. I have deep empathy for anyone who is experiencing this horror.
Auntriarch 2 years ago
If this is a dirty secret, it's not yours, it's whoever caused you to be homeless
Fickle_Pickle 2 years ago
My husband and I were homeless for 6 months, in one of the coldest winters here. I’d do it again if it means I don’t have to live with his racist father. He doesn’t like me bc I don’t kiss his a*s.
HogHedge 2 years ago
I was SA as a child, abused by my parents, became a drug addict and prostitute, suffered through abusive relationships, and the list goes on. Now I have a master's degree, have a great job, own my own home and have travelled the world, and have a great (single) life. Some days though, I'm sad about the past.
Csimutka 2 years ago
I"m glad you are all well now! I can't imagine the pain you went through but you are strong and valuable! You deserve to be loved and cared for. I hope you have better people in your life now.
Load More Replies... Lynette Vella 2 years ago
You know, reading this, I now actually remember I was the same age when this happened to me, sleeping at my sister's, my friend's, and my boyfriend's houses. Guess I must have blocked it out.
#17
I had a bilateral salpingectomy. Most of my (very Catholic, children -are-blessings-you-should-have-8!) family knows I was never into the idea of raising kids and/or being pregnant, but figured I'd change my mind. I got it done very young, and they think it was something with my ovary (true, a cyst ruptured, so I electively overkilled the whole problem), not that it was a fairly elective sterilization as a result. Now I just let them think that I "wasn't blessed with children" - easier than the alternative.
ginny weasley 2 years ago
I wanna know how she found a doctor willing to do it. So many stories about doctors more concerned about a future husband or that the patient "may change her mind"
JesseyM 2 years ago
i was very lucky to have a doctor that gave me a tubal ligation at the age of 23 (after I had one child). I was in a horrible marriage and wanted to make sure that I could not have anymore children with him (long story). Yes, my doctor asked about potential future husbands that would want kids and whatnot but ultimately deemed I should l have choice over my body (amazing thought, right?!?!). I don't remember his name and highly doubt he is still practicing (he was older then and this was almost 20 years ago), but I want to thank you for everything!
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Fussy1 2 years ago
Everything about this post screams toxicity. She shouldn't have to hide her own personal life choices bc others can't accept them. I am proud of you for choosing to do what was best for you, yet I am heartbroken for you for having to hide your choices like it is shamefull. Which for the record it 100% is not!
Amy Taylor 2 years ago
After suffering from a decade of endometriosis, my gynecologist and I agreed that I should have a hysterectomy. My insurance company refused to cover it, calling it "elective surgery" ugh. I got super angry and fought them tooth and nail until they agreed to cover it. I've been pain free for 6 years now and my quality of life has improved greatly.
Glengoolie Blue 2 years ago
They don't need to know, it's your business. I'm sure they have a few secrets they haven't shared with you as well.
Skip62 2 years ago
I was in my late 30s and wanted my tubes tied, but the doctor didn't want to do it since I didn't have kids. Dude, at that age I'm pretty sure I know where I stand on wanting kids or not.
Dawnieangel76 2 years ago
I had 2 long, heavy, painful periods a month for about 20 years of my life. (I'm 46 now, my body "reset" itself a few years ago.) No gyne could figure out WHY, but when I begged for a hysterectomy, they refused. Most said I should get pregnant & that might fix the problem. Mind you, I'm single, poor & asexual..so I had to learn to live with it
Wednesday 1 year ago
Love my kids, but all three were Happy (eventually) Accidents... I never wanted kids, would not have regretted not having any at all. Tried to have a hysterectomy at 18 because of incredibly painful periods, excessively heavy bleeding, anemia, psychosis from overproduction of hormones, AND no desire to have kids. But do they listen to us? F**k no. You're too young to know what you want. No, not true, not at all. Stop with the dismissive, misogynistic BS and listen to what we actually want.
Demongrrrrl 2 years ago
I'm amazed that I had no difficulty convincing my doctor to tie my tubes. I was in my early 30s and not in a committed relationship. I had always known I didn't want children and that I'd be a horrible mother.
#18
When I was 14 my mom confessed to me that my older sister is not my father’s biological kid. She said she was in an abusive relationship with my older sister’s bio dad. She finally resolved to leave him when she found out she was pregnant. She then met my dad a few months after giving birth and says that they fell in love. We used to get a lot of comments in school about us not looking alike, comments that only increased after my younger sister was born and happened to have a strong resemblance to me. My father never treated us any differently. I loved my father a little more after finding out because I never once doubted how much he loved us all equally. I do resent my mother for having told me though. I wish she wouldn’t have made me a secret keeper from my entire immediate family (my dad doesn’t know I know). I was 14 young and confused. Now so much time has passed that I feel like it’s too late. I feel like part of me is betraying my sister for not telling her but I also feel like it’d be a betrayal if I did. F****d if you do, f****d if you don’t. Thanks mom.
just me 2 years ago
I was 16 when I found out I was adopted. I was looking through some old papers of my parents. It messed me up pretty bad for a bit. Not so much the adopted part as the lying part. There's a good chance it will come out eventually. I would have rather heard it from someone who loved me than finding out alone.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago (edited)
Did your parents have a good reason for not telling you? Were they planning on telling you when you were an adult/at age 18 or something? I found out that I’m adopted in the same way (looking through some important papers that were semi-hidden), but I was 7 at the time so it was an easier adjustment. I’m sorry you had to go through that :(
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SarahBee 2 years ago
Sounds like it's time to tell your mother how difficult holding this secret had been. Also tell her that you've been holding it long enough, and you're going to tell your sister in x weeks if your mother doesn't tell her first. Your mother had put you in an unfair position, and you don't need to feel the pain of keeping her secret any longer.
Stymied Egan 2 years ago
There is another issue here. Medical history is a great help as you get older. I was sitting with my daughter at a Dr.s appointment when they asked medical history for me and my parents. She looked at me and said "Mom grandmas never had cancer right?" I tried hard not to laugh, "Honey yes she's had breast cancer at 93, but it doesn't really matter you are adopted remember?" Of course she cracked up. My husband and I are white our daughter is Asian and our son is Black. I remember one of our nephews asking if we would tell them they are adopted. From the time they can understand we want them both to have some history. It is a part of our story.
Elizabeth Butler 2 years ago
You should tell your dad that you know and that your appreciate how he loved you like his own. It would mean a lot to him. Keep the secret from others if you feel the need.
Bewarethere@gmail.com 2 years ago
Personally I wud gently tell ur sister. Wouldn't you want 2 no?
Amy Taylor 2 years ago
Thanks to 23andMe my dad found out at 77 years old that the man he thought was his bio dad wasn't his father. He raised him as a single dad and my dad loved him dearly, but what messed him up was the lies. Both his parents have passed so he can't even confront his mother. He's pretty sure his dad had no idea.
Paddling Panda 2 years ago
I've been my Mum's Secret Keeper since I was 11 or 12, and I understand the burden.
#19
I posed nude in a tasteful art project when i was 20.
It was supposed to be a small private exhibition but then it blew up and at one point my naked image was on our major cities website to advertise a popular art festival and a printed large version was displayed at a popular market during the festival. It was also printed in a book series.
I was so worried my parents would see but so far it's been 12 years and they still don't know. I am actually really proud of the work we did and sometimes consider showing them the book but they may murder me.
Edit: it was tasteful photos about capturing unsexualised nudity. No I will not share it on my anonymous account. I was a professional model who was compensated and consented to the project as the photographer was someone I have immense faith in. Life lesson- if it interests you than have tasteful nudes taken, one day you'll look back and appreciate them.
hitex 2 years ago
Oh I would so tell them now. My mom wouldn't approve but as I get older I wish I had done something similar in my prime. So even if she didn't approve, I bet she would have a sense of pride in your beauty, strength & courage
Lea Panthera 2 years ago
I told my mom that when I became an actual adult I'd get a tattoo and she said "don't you dare" and I said "haha try and stop me then"
Load More Replies... Julia Mckinney 2 years ago
I had a (funny) non-tasteful polaroid taken of me one night at a sci-fi con (35+ years ago). Yes, I consented and life lesson- never wear scarves as a bra to a dance unless you're sure the dye won't run, hence the polaroid. (no, it'll never see the light of day again)
#20
That the reason I stress over my grades rights now is so that I have good enough grades to go to an abroad university on a scholarship and live my life there. It's not because I want to make my family proud or something, nope. Just want to live
Lea Panthera 2 years ago
Same, and it affects my mental health so much...I currently have all A's and A-'s except for Biology, where I have a B+ and it's driving me insane. Literally I cannot sleep because of it
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wordsupfool 2 years ago
My teenager is of the same mindset. It can be done. Focus. Breathe. And good luck to you.
#21
I have no idea who I am.
Like physically or mentally. My family thinks I'm a strong willed guy who loves certain things.
But it isn't like that at all. I'm nothing like that and I don't feel like I know myself who I am. It's like I'm an actor in mutiple plays and have a certain different character for each individual interaction and situation. To be honest, I don't even know what my real personality is like.
Edit: thank you all for the kind comments and help, I really appreciate this! Not to worry this isn't that bad, I'm fine. Just wanted to share this feeling/experience
Stardust she/her 2 years ago
Same here. It feels like I’ve had to hide so many aspects of myself from everyone that I can’t “be myself” as I forgot who I an
Julia Mckinney 2 years ago
It means you're a living, thinking being who wonders about their place in this world and what type of person they are. Maybe all these different characters are just different facets of your personality and you just have to figure out how integrate them into one whole personality.
Parvathi Pradeep Menon 2 years ago
Man... I feel u. U have to figure out a whole conversation in your head on how u will have to interact with all the different people u have to meet tholroughout the day. It sucks... it really frickin does
Erin Shaw 2 years ago
Same. I had ADHD growing up and was super good at masking in social settings. Most don't know how much of an introvert I am. I play my social mask well and most are pretty shocked when they find out I don't enjoy being social like that. Its also super exhausting wearing the masks. I wish I grew up in a society that didn't think my quarks were odd and I was pressured into masking to make others around me comfortable. But somedays when im out, laughing... I have the *ugh this feels so fake, wonder if they realize how forced that reaction was?* moments lol. I'm 40 now and just starting to really learn more about me.
#22
I was in a Long distance relationship with someone from another country for 2 years. I would travel nearly every month to visit them or they would come to me. They had no idea when they messaged me, I was sometimes out of the country, either in their country or on a trip somewhere else. I was living a completely different life that barely anyone knew about.
Edit:
It’s been interesting to read some other peoples similar experiences. A lot of people are also experiencing this due to culture, religion or families not supporting.
My reason was a little different. I had come out of a relationship with a very abusive and dangerous person. He had completely embedded themselves in my family’s life and when I finally left them, I lost my family with it.
I moved to the next town over and kept contact with my parents but all information about daily life was hidden. I built a life slowly, and part of that was a solo trip abroad, where I met someone.
I was far too terrified to tell them the truth about what had happened with my ex. I didn’t think they’d believe me and I didn’t want them to know. My parents eventually cut ties with him but my brother stayed friends with him after. I went NC with my brother for 4 years in total.
I was so scared my ex would find out and come looking for me due to jealousy that the relationship was kept a secret from most people I knew, including my parents in case they let something slip to my brother.
I have left the country now for good, and I’m sure there’s people who I have some degree of connection to, that have no idea I ever left. I’ve always been someone that has kept their cards close to their chest, and life circumstances have contributed to that greatly.
Julia Mckinney 2 years ago
Wow!!! I'm so sorry your family enabled your abuser, hope you are doing a little bit better and hope your abuser's life is ended, slowly and painfully, by some of his victims and/or the legal system.
Bewarethere@gmail.com 2 years ago
Oh honey I'm sooooo sorry 4 what you've been thru. Hopefully in time things will get a bit better. Here r my positive thoughts coming ur way.....catch them in ur dreams if u like. 😊
#23
Mom had a handmade heirloom blanket from her great grandmother.
When I was a kid, my action figures decided to torture my sister's barbies for information on the location of the secret base. When the Barbie General still wouldn't talk after having her arm melted to a stump on the spinny bit on top of the lawnmower engine, she was forced to watch as her co-conspirators melted in a tupperware vat of gasoline.
When the interrogation started getting out of hand I threw water on the gasoline to put out the fire, splashing it on the side of the house and setting the house on fire. I panicked, ran inside, grabbed the first heirloom blanket I could find and smothered the fire, melting one side of the blanket.
My parents' relatively uninspired interrogation techniques were unable to solve the mystery of the missing heirloom.
Thomas Bentley 2 years ago
In general, yes, but emotional attachments to the blanket may warrant a confession, if only to save your own life.
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Auntriarch 2 years ago
Oh lordy lordy I'm so glad I'm not the only person who laughed at that
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Carole Reid 2 years ago
Did your parents even know that your "playtime" was so destructive? Al look you seemed to care about was being a brat.
a really far away planet 2 years ago (edited)
Humanity kind of is, in general. Nobody's excluded from that.
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Pudgy Panda 2 years ago
My mother once took a handmade quilt that my dad’s late mother had made and cut it up to use as under padding for a wooden table. One of the few times I saw him upset with her.
#24
I lost one of my mom's pearl earrings that she wore on her wedding day. Down the drain when I was like 8 years old. Haven't told her to this day....pretty sure sure thinks she misplaced it :(
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
Oh man at least if you told her it might have been salvaged at the time
#25
That I have depression (or had, Idk I handle it a lot better now but always scary to let the guard down) and did 2 years of therapy as soon as I could afford it on my own. My mom is kind of against therapy and doesnt believe in depression too much and I dont want to let her down. Also I dont want them to worry about me ever
that weird wallflower is demi 2 years ago
Your mom is dumb if she thinks that depression isn't real and that therapy can't help people
Sarah Parker 2 years ago
Doesn't 'believe' in depression? How absolutely privileged she is to have never experienced the horrors of mental illness. I hope OP finds the strength to move away from the "I don't want to let her down" mindset. X
Huddo's sister 2 years ago
This makes me sad. When I had depression it was my mum I turned to for help, because I couldn't do it on my own. She made sure I got to the gp and had a mental health plan done so I could find a psychiatrist. I couldn't have done it without her and the thought that not everyone has that type of support upsets me.
D'oh Rae is Me 2 years ago
I hear you. My mother was furious when she found out I went to therapy, telling me I only went because I knew they'd blame it all on my mother (like some 30s Freudian nonsense). ...damn right they blamed it all on my mother. It's her goddamned fault that I lived through trauma and am screwed up now.
Max Fox 2 years ago
That is a horrible mom, and I don't see why the OP should care. She does not seem to care that he's depressed, has no problems letting them down,so why in the name of that's good, should they put the feelings of a self-centered, neglectful mother ahead of their own mental health? Parents who "don't believe in depression" are simply avoiding discomfort and inconvenience in their own lives. They are the same parents that tell their kids who have a inflamed appendix that they are faking a stomach ache to get sympathy.
Auntriarch 2 years ago (edited)
It's denial, because your parents can't stand the thought that their precious offspring might be suffering. Get whatever help you can.
#26
My dad's brother adopted me. They didn't know I found my biological mom. I didn't talk to her though
Theresa Stephenson 2 years ago
I was adopted by my sisters dad and never met my biological father but I knew about it so that helps
#27
Growing up our house was never...clean and tidy. It wasn't disgusting or hoarder like. We cleaned and vacuumed, but we also had a lot of s**t just stacked in corners and on shelves that after a while, that was where those things belonged. Because of this we really didn't use the dining room as a dining room. The table was pushed up against the wall and was used as quasi-work desk/storage area.
One day when I was like 10 or so, I was sitting at one of the chairs while on the phone with my mom. She had a habit of droning on and on and on. When I am bored, I fidget. I grabbed one of her lighters that was just laying around and I was lighting little bits of paper towel on fire. Nothing big, just enough to see the flame go, immediately consume the whole thing and then go out and fall into her ashtray. Then I grabbed a full paper towel and lit it. The thing burned around so fast that it startled me and I dropped it on the carpet. Where it very quickly burned/melted the cheap carpet on the floor in a VERY noticeable spot. I start freaking out and look over and there was a box of cleaning solution. I grabbed some bleach hoping that it would bleach out the black burned mess and I could pass it off as I accidentally spilled it. Yeah, it just turned to beige carpet a shade or orange with little burned carpet fibers. I opened every window I could and moved the box of cleaning supplies over the spot. Keep in mind I am doing all of this while still on the phone with my mom. I braced for the next week or so for someone to find it and eventually come to the conclusion that it was me. No one came across it for months, and when they did it was all just assumed that one of the chemicals leaked out and did it.
Junebugjump! 2 years ago
I keep hoping my mom's hoarder house burns down. I can't even walk into it without my skin crawling.
PeepPeep the duck 2 years ago (edited)
I once spilled a small dot of red dye on the 90s blue carpet as a kid, I thought I should use the “carpet cleaning bottle” and pretended to do an infomercial whilst attempting to get the red out, the bleach made a giant football sized yellow stain. No one knows it was me still
Thee8thsense 2 years ago
I guess the mess was a blessing, as it acted to disguise the damage. .?
#28
My family thinks I’m still studying. I haven’t told them that I’ve basically dropped out because of my sleep problems. Right now I do nothing but write, do comedy, paint and drink beer. They think I’m gonna have a degree in about a month and a half, so that’s gonna be a fun talk.
ginny weasley 2 years ago
I want to know how this person funds this lifestyle. If the parents are paying because they think they are getting a degree, they are going to be PISSED.
ThatOmniCapybara(she/they) 2 years ago
good point. this... doesn't seem like it's going to end well...
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#29
Alright, so I gotta admit, I swiped some cash from our safe. I feel super guilty about it, but I just can't bring myself to come clean. I have no clue how they're gonna react.
Adam Belaire 2 years ago
If they haven't noticed, replace it as soon as you can, then come clean about why you took it and let them know you replaced it and how guilty you feel. They may be upset, but if you are responsible enough to replace it and grown up enough to admit when you are wrong, they will respect you and you can work towards repairing any damage done.
JM 2 years ago
Solid advice! And if they have noticed, do all of the above and be the one to confess and not be confronted. However it works out in the end, you know you did all you could to right the wrong.
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What do you think ?
StrangeOne 2 years ago
My mom doesn't know how terrified of her. She knows I'm scared of her when she's mad, but she doesn't know that I wouldn't put it past her that she's capable of killing me. Seriously. She also doesn't know I omitted her as an emergency contact for work and omitted her as a beneficiary for my group insurance in case I die.
Rayne 2 years ago
My family doesn't know anything about me. How much I have to walk on eggshells every moment of my life, how hard it is to deal with my brother and the bruises and cuts he leaves on me, how terrible it is to be left alone with him when he hurts and chokes me until I'm on the verge of passing out, how scared I am of dad sometimes, how many nights I dream of an awful memory where my brother could have died, and how I c^t when I'm alone because it's the only way to feel anymore. They don't know ANYTHING and it kills me inside.
similarly 2 years ago
You need to talk to SOMEONE and get out of that situation immediately. If you can't talk to your Mom, or other family member, call an abuse helpline. If you're a student, talk to a teacher or professor, or some person with some authority. Call a homeless shelter or other shelter for victims of abuse and see if they can get you out of there. Get help today, not tomorrow, okay? Nobody should have to live like that. Tell someone who can help you.
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PotatoNinja5000 2 years ago
The comments on this article really make me sad. It's well-known by now that these posts are taken from Reddit and you can access the original posts by clicking on the links below the entries. The words of comfort that people comment on the entries are lovely on the surface, but if it's well-known that the OP's won't be able to read it, it becomes evident that the comments aren't actually directed at them and are made for the benefit of the person commenting. I'd really like to think that they mean well, but it's difficult to believe that when it's very common knowledge.
memyselfandI 2 years ago
I’m not sure it’s necessarily a bad thing that people’s instinct when they read a sad story is to comment words of comfort, even if the original intended recipient won’t ever see them. Maybe someone else is in a similar situation and can read those comments, or maybe the commenters are partially reminding themselves to take their own advice. Either way, while I understand your point, I do believe that everyone commenting here was instinctively trying the help in their own way. And I don’t think that should be discouraged, however unnecessary. Also, it may not be as common of knowledge as you think that it’s possible to get to the original post. Maybe people think “well, I’m definitely not going to be able to find this post on Reddit, so I can just say something here”. Or maybe not everyone has access to Reddit. Or maybe some people don’t ever read the text in between the pictures and haven’t yet made the connection. We all have different perspectives.
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Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
My family doesn't know how abusive my ex was. He was never physically abusive, but he became very emotionally abusive, downright mean. Many conversations turned to tears and belittling arguments. I'm unsure if they had suspicions but no one really delved into it or asked questions when I quietly announced that I was ending the relationship.
Paddling Panda 2 years ago
My family doesn't know that my ex used to threaten to beat me if I cried, or if I refused to participate in his sick and twisted intimate demands or if I spoke up for myself or or or... I'm so glad he's out of my life and that I no longer live in fear of a physical beating. I hope you're healing and taking good care of yourself. xo
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BravePanda 2 years ago
I hope you are able to find resources to help. Treatment is easier when it's still pretty new. Disordered eating is so hard but your body needs you to take care of it.
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StrangeOne 2 years ago
My mom doesn't know how terrified of her. She knows I'm scared of her when she's mad, but she doesn't know that I wouldn't put it past her that she's capable of killing me. Seriously. She also doesn't know I omitted her as an emergency contact for work and omitted her as a beneficiary for my group insurance in case I die.
Rayne 2 years ago
My family doesn't know anything about me. How much I have to walk on eggshells every moment of my life, how hard it is to deal with my brother and the bruises and cuts he leaves on me, how terrible it is to be left alone with him when he hurts and chokes me until I'm on the verge of passing out, how scared I am of dad sometimes, how many nights I dream of an awful memory where my brother could have died, and how I c^t when I'm alone because it's the only way to feel anymore. They don't know ANYTHING and it kills me inside.
similarly 2 years ago
You need to talk to SOMEONE and get out of that situation immediately. If you can't talk to your Mom, or other family member, call an abuse helpline. If you're a student, talk to a teacher or professor, or some person with some authority. Call a homeless shelter or other shelter for victims of abuse and see if they can get you out of there. Get help today, not tomorrow, okay? Nobody should have to live like that. Tell someone who can help you.
Load More Replies... PotatoNinja5000 2 years ago
The comments on this article really make me sad. It's well-known by now that these posts are taken from Reddit and you can access the original posts by clicking on the links below the entries. The words of comfort that people comment on the entries are lovely on the surface, but if it's well-known that the OP's won't be able to read it, it becomes evident that the comments aren't actually directed at them and are made for the benefit of the person commenting. I'd really like to think that they mean well, but it's difficult to believe that when it's very common knowledge.
memyselfandI 2 years ago
I’m not sure it’s necessarily a bad thing that people’s instinct when they read a sad story is to comment words of comfort, even if the original intended recipient won’t ever see them. Maybe someone else is in a similar situation and can read those comments, or maybe the commenters are partially reminding themselves to take their own advice. Either way, while I understand your point, I do believe that everyone commenting here was instinctively trying the help in their own way. And I don’t think that should be discouraged, however unnecessary. Also, it may not be as common of knowledge as you think that it’s possible to get to the original post. Maybe people think “well, I’m definitely not going to be able to find this post on Reddit, so I can just say something here”. Or maybe not everyone has access to Reddit. Or maybe some people don’t ever read the text in between the pictures and haven’t yet made the connection. We all have different perspectives.
Load More Replies... Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
My family doesn't know how abusive my ex was. He was never physically abusive, but he became very emotionally abusive, downright mean. Many conversations turned to tears and belittling arguments. I'm unsure if they had suspicions but no one really delved into it or asked questions when I quietly announced that I was ending the relationship.
Paddling Panda 2 years ago
My family doesn't know that my ex used to threaten to beat me if I cried, or if I refused to participate in his sick and twisted intimate demands or if I spoke up for myself or or or... I'm so glad he's out of my life and that I no longer live in fear of a physical beating. I hope you're healing and taking good care of yourself. xo
Load More Replies... BravePanda 2 years ago
I hope you are able to find resources to help. Treatment is easier when it's still pretty new. Disordered eating is so hard but your body needs you to take care of it.
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