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I Don't Have A Relationship With My Father

When I was 10 years old my father walked out on us. Didn't say a word to anybody, just walked out the door while nobody was home and we never saw him again. Apparently he had a girlfriend and left us to go live with her in another state. The relationship between him and my mom was pretty bad, so truthfully I was expecting a divorce was coming. But I didn't think he would leave and not want to know me again for the rest of my life.

He never paid my mom any child support. If he ever returns to this state his ass will be thrown in prison. He has never shown any interest to know how I grew up, to know who I am now, to know my dreams and ambitions.
This kind of thing can really mess with your head.

For a long time I thought there must be something wrong with me. I thought I must be a total mess if my own father doesn't want to know me. It took me a while to understand that it isn't me who is the total mess. It took several years of therapy and a lot of tears and anger.
But I did understand eventually, I did see the clear picture after all.
And I'm fine.

My friends sometimes ask me what I'd do if he suddenly called or showed up. I used to think I would tell him as strongly as possible what a piece of shit I think he is. And how much he hurt all of us. But now I think I would just look at him and walk away without a word.
Because he's not worth it. He's not worth getting upset over ever again.
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Wow...@sundazzled...I had no idea of this very hard, poignant path. Years ago, a psychologist I met talked about how teen girls want their fathers' assurance that they are going to be ok--pretty enough, etc., but wanting their fathers to give their stamp of approval, their imprimatur on their trajectory and projected end-state as a full-fledged woman.

I am sorry that he was so NOT up to dealing more openly with the situation, and esp. for breaking off relations with his clearly-amazing daughter.

I am glad you have gotten over it. I have told a few people on this site, others with pain from how they were treated, that allowing those people in the past to continue to inflict their pain on you...well, that only allows them to take away your NOW *and* your TOMORROW, as well as your THEN...which GIVES them power & lets them win / abuse you day after day.

You figured this out, which is a HUGE step. You took back your power and shut him up in the *past*, and, by doing so, you DENY him the power over your present & future, every day.

I wish everyone could be as strong as you are; I am thankful for your strength. I think you should write a book about this because of how inspiring & helpful & healing it could be.

I am so glad for you. You are an amazing person.

And you turned out just fine, already. 😊