From the time Jennifer was a little child, she was demanding of attention, especially from her mother, Sarah. With two older brothers, Jennifer had a special place in the family as the baby and the only girl. She made sure to establish a special relationship with her mother, who relished the connection since she didnt have much of a relationship with her emotionally distant husband.
It was easy for Jennifer to control her mothers attention. Because her mother was needy for emotional connection and afraid of not being liked, all Jennifer had to do was get angry at her mother and Sarah would capitulate, giving Jennifer the attention she craved. Jennifer learned early to control her mother by becoming angry, critical and withholding love when her mother didnt do what she wanted. Unwittingly, Sarah contributed to Jennifers neediness, entitlement issues, and the belief that happiness was dependent on approval and attention from others.
Jennifer, now in her late 30s, finds herself continuing the pattern she started with her mother – attaching to others in needy and demanding ways. The result is she has not been able to have a successful relationship with any of...