Holiday trouble with my family :/ Snake related

[sorraia]

I actually talked to my mom on the phone yesterday to wish her a happy birthday. We completely avoided talking about my snakes, which I am fine with.

We talked about what she did for her birthday, and the young lady who she purchased a laptop for. It really did make me feel better when she explained the situation to me. She even said that my cousin (her niece) was concerned that that post on facebook was meant to cause trouble between her and I. She assured me she was just trying to pay it forward and do something good for someone less fortunate now that they don't have the extra burden of paying for my tuition. It really was a nice story now that it was put into context. This young girl comes from a very small town, sheltered life style, and abusive step father. She has a good work ethic and is really trying to break free from her previous life. When my mom went to best buy to purchase the laptop + supplies, she talked to the manager and they were willing to give her a nice discount on the merchandise. Then when she went to UPS to ship the computer, she once again explained the situation and they shipped it for her half price. I'm actually kinda proud of my mom for working so hard to do something good for this underprivileged girl.

I'm hoping that the waters have cleared for now. I do enjoy talking to my mom, just not when she is trying to instigate a fight If she ever does want to talk to me about my reptiles, I have promised myself that I will keep calm, stand my ground, and agree to disagree if it comes to it.

What a sigh of relief I gave after that conversation was over!

Though your mom may never come to like your reptile hobby (and sounds like you are ok with that), I think there is hope in your future! I'm definitely no stranger to conflict in families, both from my personal experience and that with close friends. I don't know you or your mom, but based on those experiences of mine and my friends, really does sound like you have a chance.