Has anyone from a toxic family ever found “normal” things completely unrelatable?

I grew up in a very orthodox, non-affectionate family. I’ve often been reminded that things like a good education and even “permission to work” are privileges I should be grateful for—remarks that were never directed at my brother. Most days in our house are fine, but occasionally, things get under my skin.

Yesterday, for instance, it was Diwali, and as usual, our yearly tradition of a massive family fight took center stage. There were tears, and my brother even threatened to leave the house. But I’ve gotten so used to these meltdowns that I was just unfazed, even relaxed about it. Later that evening, I told my friends the story, laughing as I recounted it, only to be met with dead silence. The look on their faces said it all—pity and disbelief.

That’s when it hit me: they come from happy, functional families.

Has anyone else ever had that moment where you suddenly realized, “Wait… this isn’t normal?”