Love that phrase “emotional tampon” because that is the perfect way to describe it. While it’s a way to vent your frustration in the moment and you feel comfortable showing your family your ugly side, it’s hurtful and damaging to your relationships.

As others have said, it’s a good idea to get therapy and figure out why you’re being triggered. Do you have an undiagnosed mental health issue that makes you angry? Do you have control issues?

This. My sister is an energy vampire and she gets all flummoxed and frustrated when you ask how she’s gonna address a problem directly (usually one that can be solved easily but she just likes to piss and moan about it.) Otherwise, she’ll go on ad nauseum about how she’s a victim. She’s not really looking to solve her problems; she’s looking for validation that the world is full of meanies and that she’s always being targeted by them.