Support and control can look surprisingly similar at first. Both can involve attention, concern, and involvement in someone’s life. The difference isn’t always obvious, particularly when behavior is initially framed as care or protection.

Leaving an unhealthy relationship doesn’t always bring instant clarity. Even after distance is created, many people find themselves questioning their own instincts, memories, and decisions.

Not all boundary violations come from bad intentions. In many relationships, lines are crossed quietly through repeated requests, emotional pressure, or expectations that slowly grow over time. Because these moments don’t always look dramatic, they’re easy to dismiss, especially when the person involved claims they “just care.”

The holidays are supposed to feel warm and bright — twinkling lights, familiar traditions, shared meals, and people you love gathered under one roof. But for many young adults, the season also brings complicated emotions. Going home can mean stepping back into old family roles, navigating tense dynamics, dodging personal questions, or trying to meet expectations you never agreed to in the first place.