Sometimes, it skips a generation. My paternal Grandmother took me in after my Dad died. She hates my Afrocentric appearance and routinely blames my "#NAPPYhair" on the fact that I'm single. When I gained weight due to depression and a failed long-term relationship, she would tell me that I was pretty, but too FAT. Now she tells me I'm pretty, but monitors my eating habits when I'm around her like a hawk, and never fails to remind me that I was once FAT. She equates money to success in life, and often chastises me for not being more ambitious in my career pursuits, although I live a very comfortable lifestyle for which I've never asked others to financially support. She's verbally and mentally abusive, and when I've spoken to her about her behavior and the effect it has had on me, she always dismisses my feelings and claims that she is old (my elder) and is unwilling to change on MY account. This is common in Black Families, and this post will, I'm certain, be considered a #BETRAYAL by many. My Mama died before I was able to fully understand her experience as a Mother, the depression she endured, and the often difficult relationship she'd had with her own Mom. I've chosen to block most of my relatives on social media, and use my platform to shed light on the issues that lie #DORMANT and #UNSPOKEN in the #BlackCommunity, but I've experienced and overcome in my own life. Who knows, maybe my words may help a Sista or a Brotha that is struggling to find understanding of their own circumstances? Many members of my family regard me as "#DISRESPECTFUL" because I've chosen to keep my distance from my Grandmother as an adult. #OhWell... #BaaBaa #BlackSheep, #iGuess. 🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️✌🏾🚶🏾♀️🏡🍷😊❤️ #HappyHolidays #WithLove #FromAFAR #GenerationalCURSES #BlackMentalHealth #BlackMentalHealthMATTERS https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Wu8Haho9e/?igshid=1lk7u2pxq6ac9
