Comment on So you grew up with a dad who didn’t know how to express love? Here’s how it could be affecting you today (part 2) by Caren.
So what to do now? My beautiful and talented daughter who is now 23 years old feels that her father (my husband, since we are still married) has never really liked her, although she supposes that he feels parental love out of obligation. He has always been emotionally distant and critical, and sometimes has an explosive temper (verbally). She now feels no connection to him and it makes me so sad for her. She has suffered greatly from this, experiencing depression, failed relationships with men, a debilitating eating disorder, etc. He will NOT acknowledge that he has been anything but “supportive” towards her. He thinks that monetary support is enough, evidently. He has never been affectionate with her, never expressed joy in being with her, never showed that he was proud of her, etc. Instead, he criticizes and tells her that her opinions are wrong. Since he won’t even admit any responsibility for their damaged relationship (he thinks it is all her, just being “too sensitive” and “not a rational person.” Those are his words.), then how can she heal on her own? Do you have any suggestions?
