Hello!
I am a heart coach, and learning is the treasure of the body.
From your description, I can clearly see your inner dilemma, discomfort, anxiety, pain, and helplessness.
I'm not going to get into the nitty-gritty of your issues with your mother because of your rocky relationship. What I will say is this:
First of all, you need to communicate with your mother sincerely.
You need to communicate your true thoughts to her.
You may say you've communicated with her many times, but it's had no effect. Now is the time to try a different approach.
First, try to understand her perspective. This will help her "hear" what you are saying.
You said that your mother has a very strong personality, that she thinks your boyfriend and you are not a good match, that she wants to introduce you to a new boyfriend, and that she is also making things difficult for your boyfriend. But you are still persevering, and then your mother proposed that you live with her after you get married. You know her personality, and you don't want to live together because it will affect your relationship, so you don't want to. Then, have you ever thought about why she must live with you?
She's probably feeling lonely and embarrassed to say so directly, so she's using emotional blackmail (calling you an ungrateful child) to convince you. She has a strong personality, but she also longs for someone to keep her company, and your father is no longer around.
I'm not saying that you should live with your mother. I'm saying that you should put yourself in her shoes and communicate with her.
Second, start sentences with "I" and talk about your feelings. Avoid or minimize sentences starting with "you." They make her feel rejected and accused, which is not conducive to communication.
For example, you can say to her, "Mom, I want to have a good chat with you. I know you're not very happy with my boyfriend, and you want what's best for me. I understand that, including wanting me to live with you after I get married, so that you can take care of me. And I know that you've been lonely since Dad passed away, but I hope you can consider my thoughts and feelings. I get along well with my boyfriend now, and I hope you can stop making things difficult for her in the future. Here's what I think about living with you: I want to live in the same neighborhood as you, so that we can look out for each other if anything happens. If we live together, I'm afraid we'll fight a lot, which will affect our relationship. I hope you can understand me." And so on.
After you communicate with her in an open and honest manner, she will change. She may not realize that her actions cause you distress, but she will when you communicate with her this way. When she changes, you will feel better.
Second, give your mother some time and learn to use the communication method of "firmness without hostility."
After you have communicated with her sincerely, she may not change immediately because she is used to getting along with you that way. Changing habits is not easy, so give her some time. In the meantime, learn to communicate in a "firm but non-hostile" manner. This means you refuse her and do not do what she wants, but you are firm but non-hostile.
If your mother brings up the subject of living with you again and you don't want to, tell her, "Mum, I've already told you that I don't want you to live with me. I think it would be better for both of us if we lived separately. I expect you to respect my wishes."
After you have used this kind of communication many times, she will realize that her approach is not appropriate and change.
You must prepare yourself for the fact that your mother will not change. Then, focus on yourself and live your life.
After you have communicated with your mother in depth and given her some time, and you have used the communication method of "firm but without hostility" many times, if she still behaves in this way, is very dominant and is not willing to change at all, then you must accept the reality: you have a very dominant mother who rarely considers your feelings.
Once you accept this reality, the negative impact she has on you will decrease. You will no longer expect her to change, and without expectations, there is no longer any harm.
Stop expecting her to change, and she might just change instead. It sounds contradictory, but it's true. Change is based on allowing no change.
You must focus on yourself, live your life, communicate well with your boyfriend, tell her your firm confidence, and hope that he will understand more. When your relationship becomes better and more happy, your mother will not say anything anymore because she was wrong to oppose your getting together in the first place. When you tell her with facts that you can be happy, she will accept the reality.
Your relationship will improve. You can communicate calmly, even if you are not particularly close.
If you don't get angry with her and communicate without emotions, even if she is angry again, you won't argue. You need to first communicate with her calmly, and your relationship will gradually improve.
I am confident that my answer will be helpful. If you would like to communicate further, simply click "Find a coach" at the bottom of the page and I will communicate with you one-on-one.
Comments
I understand your feelings deeply. It's tough being caught between love and family expectations. Maybe it's time to have a hearttoheart with your mom, explaining how her actions affect you both.
Your boyfriend seems genuinely committed despite the challenges. Perhaps focusing on building a future together, showing your mother that you can create a stable home, might help change her perspective over time.
It sounds like you've been through a lot with your mom. Setting boundaries could be important for your mental health. Letting her know what's acceptable behavior regarding your relationship might be necessary for peace.
Living in harmony with your partner is clearly valuable to you. It's okay to prioritize your happiness. Maybe finding a mediator or counselor who can facilitate a conversation between you, your boyfriend, and your mother could ease the tension.
I feel for you; it must be exhausting dealing with this. Sometimes distance is needed to gain clarity. Blocking your mom was a tough decision but protecting your emotional wellbeing is crucial. Consider if there's a way to reconnect on terms that are healthy for you.