The article explores the complexities of self-sacrifice in relationships, particularly in parent-child dynamics. It highlights how the act of staying in unhappy situations for the sake of others can lead to feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction. A woman recounts her experience of her mother sacrificing her career for her children, which, instead of creating a happy environment, resulted in a sense of obligation and resentment. Ultimately, the piece illustrates that these sacrifices, while often well-intentioned, can create a lose-lose scenario for all involved.
When someone doesn't take care of themselves so that we can be happy, they're not usually happy, and we're not happy either. It's a lose-lose situation.
Her mother, as she framed it, had abandoned her own wants and needs so that she could have a happy childhood, but the daughter felt "terrible" about the sacrifice.
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