I wish my SD15 would treat me with love and affection
I wish my SD15 would treat me with love and affection like she used to. I know she's a teenager and it's 'normal' for teens to withdraw from parents, but it still hurts. See, she has been in my life since she was 4 years old. (We have sole custody; she visits BM twice a month; she doesn't like BM & hates to go visit her.) She and I have always been close...up until she was about 13 when the teen attitude hit. I have not been able to get used to her lack of affection or sweetness toward me. It bothers me so much...especially since she does NOT treat her dad (my DH) like that at all. DH says it's because she's a "daddy's girl" but she USED TO BE A MOMMY'S GIRL -- my girl. Now I feel as if she truly despises me...that my mere presence annoys her. I stopped trying to talk to her about it; we just ended up arguing. I've stepped back, and DH is happy that I'm just leaving it alone. SD says that she DOES love me. I guess I'm just supposed to live with how she treats me. She's not disrespectful...just distant and cold toward me. I want to get the loving, affectionate SD back that I once knew. Any words of advice or encouragement??
I think she is just self
I think she is just self absorbed right now, and unhappy in her own life. I remember junior high years were very tough socially, bullies, fights, etc. Don't take it personally.
I would just try to be there for when she does need you - but also meanwhile develop other interests for yourself so as to give her the room she needs right now. She said she loves you, I would just trust in that for now.
It's a phase. She has Daddy
It's a phase. She has Daddy to help her through it. Just stand back and she'll return to the fold.