Hello. I’m new here. This is my first time posting. I’ve

Hello. I’m new here. This is my first time posting. I’ve had an “issue” with stealing. It started when I was like 17, my friend at the time had talked about it & pretty much made it seem very simple & I guess I got into that as well when we would go out together. After all that I started doing it even when I was by myself. It was like a weird rush. I didn’t get caught a few times, very close though. Then one day I did get caught when me & 4 other friends were all shoplifting together. I even got arrested that night. I had to do a program & community service. I definitely stopped for a few years after that. Then within the last few years to date I had started again. This time I stole from my sister & her husband. I stole some money they were saving. I literally felt so awful but at the time I needed it. I was in between jobs & wasn’t going to get a paycheck for another few weeks. At the time I just started living on my own & everyone kept telling me how proud they were of me & I just didn’t have it in me to admit I wasn’t doing well & I was struggling. Moving forward last time I had stole money from them (2years ago) I got caught. They were obviously wondering why they were missing money & set up a camera. I haven’t spoke to my sister in 2 years. I’m so scared to reach out to her. I miss her & I miss her kids. I want to fix our relationship I just don’t even know where to begin or how to come about apologizing because I know this ruined our sister ship & I feel as though it will never be the same between us. My anxiety gets the best of me when I think about messaging her. I just needed to say the raw truth of everything & thank you for taking the time to read my mess.

2 Hearts

Wow! That really took a lot of courage for you to share that. I know it's anonymous but still it took courage for you to post it. Have you thought about talking to a therapist about the stealing? I know it cost money but if finances are an issue maybe there's a place with a sliding scale where you live. Reading on it could help you as well. I'm sorry you are dealing with all of that. I'm sure it's very hard trying to deal with it and what happened with your sister is sad for both of you.

@Fohb460 thank you for that. I know something has to change & I need to admit that first! I will definitely be looking into some therapy! I really appreciate your kind words !

I also think you are extremely brave to share your story. It sounds like you'd really like to have a repaired relationship with your sister...I feel like, what do you have to lose by trying to message her? It could be one of the hardest moments of your life to open up honestly to her but it could also open an important door that has been closed way too long?
Maybe talk about the possible mental health issue of 'high from Shop-lifting' that you were using as a coping mechanism to be noticed or just some kind of rush of excitement?
Be humble. Own it completely and she will see you are genuinely sorry for your actions.
You can do this.

1 Heart

@Littlesis7 thank you for this!! I really needed to hear that.

From Anxiety & Panic Disorders to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)