Does anyone know if Joel's dad is in the picture? I only ask because this whole thing is reminding me of a boyfriend I had when I was a teenager.
His dad had died when he was a kid, and his mum had overcompensated and basically given him no boundaries growing up. This led to him being really entitled in relationships with women. You wouldn't necessarily notice it as a friend, but as his girlfriend he was really pushy, guilt trippy, entitled. Would make me feel awful for criticising him or expressing any negative emotions. Would guilt trip me into doing things he wanted that I didn't. Wanted me to stay in touch constantly even when I had other things to do. Made me feel guilty for being ill and not being able to visit him, etc. Sound familiar?
From what we know, Joel's mum seems similar. Probably not for the same reason, but the same effect - inflating his ego, not setting boundaries which leads to a sense of entitlement. We see this in the language he uses, both in that whiny Facebook post about not being nominated for an award, and how possessive and guilt trippy he is when talking about Carrie going away. He likely has a skewed image of what close relationships with women should be like because of it (getting his own way all the time), and will become petulant when this isn't the case.
My ex was also very into proclaiming his love very intensely, saying we were meant to be together, he'd never love anyone else, etc. but it was all about control. I was very insecure at the time, and the guilt tripping and emotional manipulation wore me down. I just thought it was normal and that this was what I deserved. I worry that because Carrie was so heartbroken when she got with Joel that she might think the same. Well, that's not true! No one deserves being treated this way! Hopefully she sees sense before it goes too far.
(Add this into the pile of 'Joel reminds me of my abusive ex' because there's been loads of posts about that now!)
