Situation · Family and friends
“My mother is jealous of me”
What could be going on
Envy: Fits if she wants what you have, such as freedom, chances or youth, that she lacked.
Envy disguised as critique: Could be envy if your good moments bring her small criticisms.
Midlife transition: Check whether her own ageing or losses make your stage of life painful to watch.
Vulnerable (covert) narcissism: Fits if she resents anyone getting attention, not only you.
Oedipal dynamics: Could be rivalry over a partner's or father's attention; check how she reacts to that closeness.
Questions to carry
- What did my mother say or do the last time something good happened for me?
- Which of my good things do I now keep from her, and how does that feel?
Also said as
- my mum competes with me over looks and attention
- my mother seems to resent my youth and success
- why is my mum envious of her own daughter
- she undermines me when I'm doing well
- envious mother
- my mum seems threatened by me