Really, no one was allowed to express strong emotions in my house growing up. Anyone who did was deemed out of control and looked upon as though they needed 'professional help'--a bad and shameful thing in my family.
I have moved well past that attitude over the years, but I still don't talk to my mother openly about anything negative that goes on in my life because I know what the reaction will be. I express myself with my friends and other family members and have sought counseling in the past.
My parents are both still alive, but elderly...and I doubt that much will change at this point. I just hope that understanding it all a bit better may help me, and help my sister.
Thank you for giving me more to think about!!