u/Str4wberrybby

I just spoke to my manager and HR about repeated bullying from a team leader, and even though I explained everything and showed evidence, they still turned it against me and made me feel like maybe I’m the problem. They kept changing the topic and making me feel like I was crazy or overreacting. They even started speaking from his perspective and trying to protect him instead of supporting me. I’ll never understand why victims are so rarely supported.

My mom and I don’t live together anymore. I moved out and have been living on my own since I was 18, and now I’m 21. I still visit her from time to time, and she always cooks my favourite food.

But these days, we have very different opinions and we end up arguing a lot. Our conversations feel awkward and tense. When we text, she’s always sweet and kind, but when she calls me, she feels like a different person. Her tone and the things she says make me regret talking to her on the phone.

A few weeks ago, I was seriously thinking about moving back in with her because she’s living alone in a new house after divorcing my dad, and I thought she might be lonely. I wanted to give her company. But after our last phone call, I completely changed my mind. Now I feel concerned and even a bit scared of her.

During that call, she asked about my insurance and whether I had put her name on it, so if something happened to me or if I died, she would get something. She also said that she and I are the same person. There were other things she said too, but that’s the part I can’t forget.

Since then, when she asks to call, I try to find excuses because I don’t want to feel bad again after hearing what she might say. I’ve also refused a few times to pick up the food she cooks.

Today she cooked something again and said, ‘The pork might taste a bit weird, okay? I marinated it with red wine.’ Now I don’t know if I should go pick it up. My boyfriend doesn’t feel comfortable about it either.

Also, before my mom divorced my dad, I remember something she once said: ‘I’m really tired and sick of him. Sometimes I even think about what if I poisoned him, but when I pray, I stop that thinking.’ That’s what makes me worried now.

I don’t know if I’m overthinking. She is a good mom and a sweet person, but I know she’s been through a lot, so I don’t know what’s going on in her mind. What should I do?