I work at a fast food restaurant near my daughter’s school. It’s not glamorous, but it pays the bills and lets me keep an eye on her. She’s told me more than once that she’s embarrassed by my job, saying I could do better. I thought it was just teenage talk, so I tried not to take it personally.
But one day, she came in with her friends and humiliated me openly. She pointed at me and said, “Look, my mom works at a fast food joint. None of your parents would stoop this low.” I was shocked and hurt.
At home, I cried alone, feeling the full weight of her words. She doesn’t see the sacrifices I’ve made since her father died. I took this job to keep us afloat, but she only sees the surface. It’s like my effort doesn’t matter to her.
Now I feel distant from her and don’t know how to bridge the gap. Should I confront her or give it time? I fear damaging our relationship, but the hurt runs deep. I just hope she understands someday.