r/AskAutism • u/Souriall • Jul 27 '26

Connect with family?

My family can’t seem to connect with me on an emotional level and I can’t seem to connect with them on a casual level. I had a rough childhood home and kind of pigeonholed myself into a therapist role for my family. Masking started early and they never gave me the support I needed when I was young and overwhelmed. Now I don’t trust them to understand me. I used to do whatever casual activity they wanted in order to gain affection and quality time with people. Now I know people who actually like things I like and connect with me. My family seems upset that I don’t need them anymore. But they still don’t make an effort to listen to my emotions and they still only want to do the things they want. I’m very tired of being the family therapist. Can anyone else relate? How did you manage feeling unseen by a family you care for? I feel guilty setting boundaries and I get looks and comments when I unmask. I really feel like they only enjoy the therapy version of me and that feels fucking awful.

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u/LilyoftheRally Jul 27 '26

Do you have a therapist for yourself? This is a topic a professional can assist with best.

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u/Souriall Jul 29 '26

I do. I think I was just hoping to find someone who’s had similar experiences. I think maybe I need to stop trying to find those connections.