Thoughts Turning to Ink on Paper

I'm a Stranger

How is it that I feel like a stranger? 

A stranger to those I once held dear

They were held in such a high regard, 

But not anymore

I thought we were past a stage 

A stage of denial and criticism

They have proven that they're not

It saddens me to think that they don't care

For my feelings, my happiness

I care about theirs too much

Because I know they would criticize 

Criticize my decisions and actions

They do constantly

Choosing to love the person of my choice

Does not sit well with them

They want me to be with someone 

Someone of their choosing

They want me to stoop so low, 

That even saying to cheat and have fun

Goes to show their true characters

How could they say that to their daughter/sister? 

How can they show they love me when they do that? 

When my own mother has made no progress

She cannot get past the fact I choose him to be my boyfriend

She's so judgemental  and trying to get into my head, 

Hoping I listen to her and date the person of her choosing

She's negative, 

So freaking negative about my relationship

Calling my boyfriend controlling when he isn't

We are long distance and call every day

There's nothing wrong with that

There's nothing wrong with our relationship

I can't handle all the negative and cheating comments

Knowing how they are saddens me

Because I know they will never change

They would never want me to be truly happy 

They would rather have me be at "home" miserable

This past weekend was rough, 

Going to "home" to visit was hard

I couldn't even do homework without being criticized by her

So I didn't finish it because I couldn't concentrate

I had to spend time with family and take no time for myself

When I got a moment alone, I was guilted for not spending time with my siblings

I couldn't even call my boyfriend during the day, 

All because they would guilt me or call him controlling

And the fact we call every day is weird to them

It's as if they have never been in a healthy, loving relationship

The thing that saddens me the most, 

Is that I'm doing it for my grandparents

Because I love and care for them

And want to spend as much time as I can with them

Before they are gone