• fostering kittens
    healing,  relationship,  Trauma

    Fostering Kittens and Healing from Trauma

    Fostering feral kittens requires some patience and Gerber baby food chicken. I started the fostering process with a local non-profit. The big reward is to see the wild babies slowly decide to become domesticated, learning to trust humans for the first time. I find their progression fascinating, especially given that cats individually decide to become tame. Dogs want to be tamed, but according to the feral kitten experts, cats determine their fates for themselves. I’m less of a foster parent than a sales rep for the human race. Some kittens are an easier sell than others. The younger, the better of course, but helping them heal from their unexpected capture,…

  • grey rock
    abuse,  abuser,  Conflict,  Contempt,  Controlling Behaviors,  Narcissism,  narcissist,  narcissistic abuse,  narcissistic kids,  narcissists,  Sociopath

    How to Grey Rock Your Way Out of Toxic Relationships

    The most interesting thing about a grey rock is how utterly lacking in interest it is. Think of all the grey rocks you have walked past without even noticing. Turns out no one is interested in them except the occasional geologist. For the person attempting to avoid a run-in with a manipulator or anyone trying to lose the attention of a narcissist, it is inspirational. Narcissists cannot stand it when they don’t get the attention they feel they deserve. And if their victims consistently put in practice these few suggestions, they may just succeed in losing the patronage of the predator. After all, you can’t get blood from a stone,…

  • Boundaries,  Boundary Lines,  family,  relationship,  self worth

    Six Toxic Responses to Boundaries

    Toxic people dislike boundaries the way my cats hate a closed door. They figure it is their right to come and go as they please. The ripped up carpet and scratches on my door attest to their utter determination to have their way. The cats, that is. Toxic people usually damage far more than just a rug and a couple of doors. I suppose learning how to erect healthy boundaries always includes a learning curve. I, for one, did not anticipate the ruthlessness and perseverance with which toxic people attempt to discredit, tear down, and generally disrespect boundaries. But I have learned to spot the usual toxic strategies. I can’t…