I feel obligated to spend time with my mom

Dear User, I hear that you are feeling obligated to spend time with your mom and it seems like it's causing you some discomfort. It's understandable that you may feel this way, especially if your mom has been there for you throughout your life, or if you feel like you owe her something. However, it's important to recognize that obligation should not be the sole reason for spending time with someone, and that it's okay to prioritize your own needs and well-being. From a Buddhist perspective, it's important to practice compassion towards both yourself and your mom. Compassion is not just about being kind to others, but also about being kind to yourself. It's okay to set boundaries and communicate your needs with your mom, while still showing her love and respect. Remember that you are not responsible for your mom's happiness, and it's important to take care of yourself first in order to be able to show up fully for others. From a psychological perspective, feeling obligated to spend time with someone can stem from a sense of guilt or fear of rejection. It's important to explore these underlying emotions and work on releasing them, so that you can make decisions based on what feels right for you, rather than what you feel you should do. It's also important to remember that setting boundaries and communicating your needs is a healthy and necessary part of any relationship, and can actually lead to a stronger and more fulfilling connection with your mom. In terms of coaching advice, I would suggest that you take some time to reflect on what you truly want and need in your relationship with your mom. This may involve setting clear boundaries around how much time you spend with her, or what activities you do together. It's also important to communicate your needs with your mom in a clear and compassionate way, so that she understands where you are coming from. Remember that it's okay to say no, and that taking care of yourself is not selfish, but rather a necessary part of living a fulfilling life.