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Do Estranged People Ever Feel Whole?
If you are estranged from your family, that moment of leaving and cutting ties forever will have been absolutely pivotal.
Personally, when I cut and run aged 16, it was the biggest thing I’ve ever done.
It’s a decision that impacts the rest of your life, and hopefully in a good way. I’ve never regretted leaving my abusive parents, although I have missed other family members who were collateral damage in the split.
Although the day we leave is massive, and we never have to speak to our abuser/abusers again – this is never the end of our estrangement story.
Being estranged is for life. The label and the social awkwardness carries on.
Life events
For me, I first noticed the awkwardness at Christmas. When you are estranged and not in a relationship, Christmas can be a lonely time.
Personally, I didn’t mind. I’ve never really enjoyed Christmas, I guess I have too many bad memories. So I never cared about celebrating it.
But the people around me would awkwardly invite me to spend the day with them and their family. I don’t think they really wanted me there – the sad little orphan in the room, just there out of pity.
