Silence in house is awkward
June 7, 2012 12:50PM
Updated: July 9, 2012 6:00AM
Dear Annie: I am an 18-year-old guy, and my parents are splitting up. I don’t know the full story, but things are getting somewhat awkward around the house. We try to live normally, but the silence hurts. I’m trying to deal with it and put up a good front until graduation, but it’s hard.
When I am with both of my parents in the same room, it’s too quiet. One of us will try to initiate a conversation, but it cuts off after a few minutes. My father is military and will be deploying shortly after I graduate. Everyone right now seems to be on edge. I have no way to talk about this with anyone.
I’ve heard it’s always worse before it gets better, but it seems that there is no end to the silence. How do I associate with both of my parents and not have any “divorce talk”?
Tom
Dear Tom: Your parents may believe they are making it easier for you by not discussing the situation. Or they may fear that talking about it will create a cascade of bitter words, arguing and crying, and they are hoping to spare you. But you do need to talk to someone. It would help enormously. Do you have a favorite teacher, coach, neighbor or friend’s parent? What about a grandparent, aunt or uncle? The military also offers counseling for family members. Try Military One Source (militaryonesource.mil) and ask for help.
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