How do I handle this?

r/

The main issue is that my family has caught on to me smoking weed. It’s legal in my state, and I’m turning 21 soon so not the biggest deal. Which would be the case if I didn’t have semi traditional immigrant parents. They are mellowing out in their age, but there’s only so much mellowing aging can do. My mom catching on to what was going on asked a couple times if I was high (which I clearly was) but I wasn’t going to admit it unless I needed to. She made a couple jokes and then left my room.

My older sibling on the other hand (who I have a strained relationship) came into my room and asked. I admitted the truth bc there was no point in lying it was clear as day and they weren’t going to leave it alone. They asked if I wanted to talk abt it and when I said nothing for almost a minute straight. I said no, but they sat down as if getting ready for a conversation and I said no again. They still tried to question me and pry but when I got frustrated and questioned them for asking my opinion only to disregard my answer (which is something they do often and a contributor to our strained relationship) they got mad and said if we didn’t talk about it now, we’d never talk about it ever.

I had no problem with never talking abt it with them at all. I don’t tell them things in general or like them knowing my business because they take it upon themselves to give their opinion about how I live and function. From commenting on my body hair to my clothing, whatever it may be it’s always unwanted. Now my issue is it’s been silent. My mom hasn’t said anything since then (not that it’s been very long) and I don’t know if she plans to/ already has told my dad who may have a much stronger reaction.

I have a job, and I’m in school (with good grades) and paying for my own schooling, so it’s not like I’m a bum living in my parent’s house doing nothing but smoking all day. So frankly I don’t think there should be much to say. But my family aren’t the most accepting people all together, but individually can sometimes have surprisingly lax opinions on things. What I don’t want to happen (but has happened in the past) is my sibling will have their opinion and feelings prioritized over me or anything I say.

I doubt they’ll kick me out or anything. Especially bc there are worse things I could be doing. But this whole situation has made me so uncomfortable and is bringing back a lot of bad childhood memories and trauma about getting in “trouble” and never being listened to when I explain myself. I know I’m an adult now and things aren’t exactly the same. But it’s times when I think that and tell myself that, when something goes wrong and I lose faith in my family and their treatment of me.

Should I go back to my mom and just talk to her? She’s been trying to have more open and honest communication with me recently? I’m just hesitant because her desire for this better communication doesn’t mean she’s a completely safe person to talk to. She has a habit of sharing things with others, or not sticking up for me when one of my siblings is giving me problems and she knows it wrong. I’m just afraid to open up to her and be disappointed and hurt again. But I feel like just waiting around and doing nothing is only going to make my anxiety in this household worse.

TDLR: I got caught smoking and I’m afraid of my parents reactions and my sibling is trying to insert themselves and opinion.

Comments

  1. PumpkinSpiceSol Avatar

    Tbh, if your sibling keeps pushing after you said no twice, they’re just looking for drama.. set your boundaries and stick to ’em, they’ll either respect it or get over it eventually

  2. Galileaolsen Avatar

    Always start the conversation first that way you’re not the unprepared one lowkey 😭 when my parents found out I smoke it was because my brother told them so I feel like you telling yourself is better than

  3. Emaemotional Avatar

    Ignore the drama bait. They don’t respect boundaries and you already know they love steamrolling your choices