Dear Worried: You sound like a wonderful daughter. Your mother is fortunate to have someone so loving and caring in her corner.

It doesn’t always start with yelling or bruises. Sometimes, it begins with subtle control—disguised as concern. A comment about what you’re wearing. A slow chipping away at your confidence. An apology that feels more like a warning.

What finally saved me was staying quiet and appearing to be submissive while carefully planning my exit without a single warning. I documented everything. I cut all ties. And yes, I lost people -- even mutual friends and, painfully, some connection with my children, who were manipulated into choosing sides. But I survived. I am free and happy now.