((Nick Galifianakis for The Post))

Mom’s out-of-blue verbal attacks are a feature, not a recent bug

Dear Carolyn: It’s me again, “Shocked,” the one asking about mom’s grasp of reality [in the Aug. 17, 2026, column].

Her behavior is not new — there’s been some version of [paranoid accusations] going on for at least 20 years. The specific outlet for it seems to shift with changes in my life circumstances, like college, moving out of state, getting married, having kids, but I’d say the behavior overall is not new or worsening.

I do take your point, though, regarding the doctor and full workup: I have asked her to get checked out or see a psychiatrist, and generally the retort is that I should see one. Maybe I should, but I don’t think it’s a reasonable response. I guess I will just try harder to get through to her on seeing a doctor?

In the meantime, I find myself searching for what I did wrong to provoke this. Somewhere I know that’s not what this is about, yet I can’t help but feel bad about it.

— Shocked again

Introducing Say More, a new advice column from The Washington Post.

Column  Elahe Izadi Say More: I’m 71. He’s 49. What’s with the ‘cougar’ jokes?

Carolyn’s been writing her advice column for two decades. Explore the archives below.