Reader

“I’m not going to ask you what you were addicted to,” I often say to people. “Nor when, nor for how long. Only, whatever your addictive focus; what did it offer you? What did you like about it? What, in the short term, did it give you that you craved or liked so much?” And universally, the answers are: “It helped me escape emotional pain; helped me deal with stress; gave me peace of mind, a sense of connection with others, a sense of control.” Such”
― Gabor Maté, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction

“Although borderline mothers may love their children as much as other mothers, their deficits in cognitive functioning and emotional regulation create behaviors that undo their love. Borderline mothers have difficulty loving their children patiently and consistently. Their love does not endure misunderstandings or disagreements. They can be jealous, rude, irritable, resentful, arrogant, and unforgiving. Healthy love is based on trust and is the essence of emotional security.”
― Christine Ann Lawson, Understanding the Borderline Mother

“In moments of struggle, it might help to say to yourself, “This is really hard for me right now. How can I comfort and care for myself at this moment?”
― Lois Frost, Borderline Personality Disorder: A Life-Changing Guide to Successfully Manage BPD, Protect Your Mental Health, and Cultivate Healthy Relationships

“Borderline mothers have difficulty allowing their children to grow up. The dependency of a newborn can be intensely satisfying to the borderline mother, but as the child becomes increasingly independent, conflict erupts.”
― Christine Ann Lawson, Understanding the Borderline Mother