From Chaos Calm

You have a higher tolerance for adversity You develop a high "EQ" You're a good caregiver You seek education You possess a high degree of emotional discipline

I found an article in Marie Claire magazine that says having a dysfunctional mother makes a better woman. [sorry guys now mention of you] Since my mother fits the magazine's definition of dysfunctional [...mothers plagued by the most serious emotional and behavioral problems....They're addicted to drugs or alcohol; they battle mental illness or abuse others, both verbally and physically...] I decided to read the article and I was amazed at how much of ME I found in the points you see in the box above. According to the article I can look forward to becoming a well rounded person because my mother...well...isn't.

1. "Because daughers of dysfunctional mothers face their mothers' erratic behavior every day, they know how to reason, how to stay calm, and how to negotiate. " They called it being "mini experts in deactivation conflict".

During "The Incident" summer before my freshman year in high school I remember cleaning my mother's apartment over and over again just to make sure she had nothing to get angry at. I remember setting the table where when you walked in the light over head would illuminate the flower arrangement underneath. The day of "The Incident" I remember locking my little brother outside so he wouldn't walk in her screaming and throwing things around...And it was all my fault.

2. " You become really strategic at handling stress, no matter what the setting."

When I stress, I do it to myself. I don't have to stress because my mind jumps around to much to stay on one thing so I just do it to feel normal.

3. I try to take care of everyone.

4. I told my cousin once not to worry about what anyone in this family says and do well in school so the teachers can praise you.

5. I'm good at hiding my feelings.

So according this I'm a great person. And I owe it all to my dysfunctional mother. Thanks Momma.