How to Be Alone: If You Want To, and Even If You Don't

by Lane Moore

I want to acknowledge all of the people reading this who have been brave enough to see their parents as harmful, because it is not an easy task. We are raised with maxims like “Blood is thicker than water” and “Respect your elders” in a culture where family, no matter how harmful, truly is everything. From an early age, a deification process begins with our parents, and even if they are flawed or harmful, they are the sun and the moon and can often remain that way. It takes, in no uncertain terms, bravery to admit to yourself, but especially out loud to other people, that your family is not safe, did not do enough, and are not people you want in your life. It flies in the face of everything our culture tells us.