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 by Sarah Best.
My heart goes out to you, Michael. Here’s what I’d suggest: Call or write to each daughter (whichever feels most appropriate), individually, and tell her exactly that – that you love her dearly and want her back in your life. Tell her also how committed you are to this.
Then be prepared to listen to – and sincerely address – any concerns she may have. Also, if you haven’t ever told her which qualities you see and most appreciate in her, this is something she really needs to hear. I have not yet come across any woman who is disappointed in her dad, who would not be absolutely delighted if he would communicate with her in this way.
Your daughters may or may not show this, though. One or both of them may need more time in order to let their guard down and this could manifest in a variety of ways, including silence or hostility. Be prepared to stay patient and loving, and know that these words are likely to touch each of your daughters deeply, and very positively, even if they do not immediately show it. I wish you luck.
Sarah Best Also Commented
Thank you so much for sharing that.
Yes, it is devastating to miss the love of a father.
And it’s not made any easier by the fact that this is so little talked about and understood.
But for what it’s worth, in the four years since I began writing about this topic I’ve heard from SO many women who feel just as you do.
That’s why I started my free email series on the father-daughter relationship, which is designed to answer the very questions you posed, and which I see you’ve signed up for. I hope you’ll find it helpful.
Thanks again for the share.
Sarah x
Thank you so much for sharing all of that. I hear you and for what it’s worth, since I started writing about this topic four years ago I’ve heard from many women in similar situations who feel just as you do. That’s why I started a free newsletter, full of info and tips for women who are dealing with a challenging, painful and/or non-existent father-daughter relationship.
If you’d like to receive that you can sign up here.
Sarah xo
Are you signed up to receive my (free) Father Daughter Factor emails ‚Ä쬆those are ALL about healing the relationship and one of the topics I’m going to covering soon is the very one you asked about: “at what point is it okay to cut ties and say enough is enough?” You can sign up here.
Sarah xo
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