Hi All,
just checked in this morning--thanks for the replies! I so appreciate the support. My husband and I went out for drinks and dinner after work and then dancing, saw a bunch of friends. It was fun and got my mind off difficult child for awhile. I am still livid but I know that will die down and I will be able to quit thinking about her all the time. I hate being consumed by thinking about her constantly!
Today Molly is going to a day spa for half a day--that is her main birthday present--wish I was going too! She told me about a week ago that for the past several yrs Emily (difficult child 1) has managed to ruin her birthday and I sure don't want that to happen this year.
I think in Emily's case the lies don't mean she still cares--my therapist thinks she may even have antisocial disorder. I see it as a coping mechanism she came up with long ago--it is her way of trying to get her needs met and her needs must be met at any cost. She couldn't risk me saying no to a simple, honest request for money. She had to come up with a story she thought I'd buy and then she had to scramble because it wasn't working out right--she needed money, not a bus ticket. I don't know why she thought I'd give her money, I have told her I will not give her money but I will help out with specific things she may need. Guess she still thinks I am as dumb as I used to be but I am capable of learning! Also, with her not living here anymore it is easier to see what she's doing.
Again, thanks for the support and I am so glad to know I am not alone! I'll let you know her next attempts at manipulating me because I am sure this isn't the end--there will be a new angle today or tomorrow I would bet.
Hugs,
Jane