My teenage daughter and I used to be close, but since the divorce she's become protective of her dad in a way that feels like she's punishing me for leaving him. We're polite to each other now, careful, and I can see her working to love us both without hurting either of us, which is breaking my heart.
More people experience this than they realize.
A child is sacrificing authentic relationship to manage the emotional complexity that adults created, leaving everyone isolated in their care for each other.
“Where Are You with Love Under Financial Stress?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.