My father's legacy...

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4 Comments

My father is an insecure man with an inflated and fragile ego. With aggression and|or ridicule, he viciously pulls others down in order to maintain a feeling of superiority. He effectively destroys every relationship he has, including the ones with his children, and blames everyone but himself for it. 

After growing up with this type of a father, I'm concerned about the psychological impact it's had on me. I'm continually plagued with nightmares about him, despite the fact it's been decades since I've lived at home. I am terrified I will become like him, either boasting about my measly accomplishments to anyone who will listen, or harshly judging those who don't meet my expectations or lavish me with pure acceptance. 

Any time I feel the slightest hint of being anything like him I start to hate myself and withdraw, criticizing myself the way he would have. I'm afraid of hurting people like he's hurt me and many others.

Will I ever be free of this?

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Based on 20 votes (10 yes)
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Comments ( 4 )
  • EccentricWeird
    9 years ago

    Don't blame your father for your own personality flaws, and just carry on with the cards you've been dealt.
    -EccentricWeird's STREETSMART, TOUGH LOVE Advice

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  • RoseIsabella
    9 years ago

    Checkout the twelve step program, Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families.

    http://www.adultchildren.org/

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  • disthing
    9 years ago

    What you say about me, boy?!

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  • thegypsysailor
    9 years ago

    You will be free when you choose to be.
    Has it been decades since you've seen him? I don't understand why you continue to allow him to affect your life, even now. He just doesn't deserve that much attention from you.
    There are a number of symbolic ways you can rid yourself of his influence, with or without the help of a therapist. Do some web research and get on with tossing the creep out of your mind and life.

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