Asking Eric: After tragedy, daughter says mother's love is only skin-deep

A reader writing to “Dear Eric” describes a painful rift with her daughter after the husband’s suicide more than 20 years ago. Although she says she returned to school, worked, and supported the family, the youngest child now criticizes her for not showing enough love, help, or attention—especially around her wedding—and for favoring one child. The daughter also says their relationship is “skin-deep,” and that the mother-in-law provides more support since she lives over 1,200 miles away. Eric’s response urges a temporary reset and focuses on asking for specific, actionable changes for the future rather than relitigating the past.