My parents typically have a victim mentality about negative things that happen in their life, even when it’s a direct result of their actions.

I don’t want it to annoy me any more when we’re having conversations, so I’m trying to create an intentional model.

What are some possible thoughts I can use? I thought of:

I love my parents no matter what
Or
I want to know what’s going on with them

But I feel like those thoughts aren’t bringing up the emotion of connected.

And how can I show I’m connected to them while we’re talking and they’re playing the victim card, but not make it seem like I’m agreeing and approving of with what they’re saying?

I feel like if I say “yeah, that’s terrible” I’m encouraging and agreeing with what they’re saying. And I don’t want to do that. But I also want to be caring and connected to what they have to share.

Thanks