The Truth About Breaking Toxic Relationship Patterns — Be Your Own Brand of Sexy

Sarah sat in her living room, staring at her phone long after her daughter Karen’s FaceTime call had ended. The knot in her stomach had formed halfway through their conversation, when Karen mentioned canceling her art studio membership because Brad, her new boyfriend, thought they should spend Saturday mornings together at his golf club.

“It makes sense, Mom,” Karen had said. “He works such long hours during the week, and this way we get quality time. Besides, I can always paint at home.” But they both knew painting alone at home wasn’t the same as working in a professional studio, surrounded by other artists, preparing for exhibitions.

The words had hit Sarah like a physical blow, echoing across decades. She’d said almost the exact same thing to her own mother about giving up her book club when she married Michael. Just as she’d rationalized dropping her watercolor classes last month because Robert, her boyfriend of the past year, preferred they have dinner during her class time. Those classes had been more than just a weekly painting session — they’d reignited her passion for art after years away from it.

“But what about your show next month?” Sarah had asked Karen, her voice carefully neutral. “You were so excited about displaying your work.” This wasn’t just a hobby — it was Karen’s first chance to exhibit her art professionally.

“Oh, well…” Karen had looked away from the screen. “Brad has a corporate event that weekend. He really wants me there — it’s important for his career. I’ll have other opportunities to show my work.”

Sarah had felt the blood drain from her face, remembering all the times she’d said those exact words during her twenty-three years with Michael. And then with Tom. And now with Robert.

She looked down at the text that had just come in from Robert: “Changed dinner to 7 tomorrow. Board meeting running late.” No question about whether she could make it. No acknowledgment that they’d had plans for tonight. Just like Michael. Just like the man her daughter was becoming more and more accommodating to with each passing week.

The realization hit her with stunning clarity: Karen was watching her mother’s life and learning…