Are you an adult but still feel trapped?

Never wanted to move back home. Its not my place and i have to share it with my brother (which i dont mind) and my insufferable father. Cant have a normal conversation with him. To him the world is bleak and cold. Everything is wrong and none of it is his fault. I asked him the other day about some stuff i read about weight lifting and losing fat because i wanna get rid of this belly. Again, cuts me off mid sentence and insists on "correcting" everything i say. Thanks dad, you inspire an awful lot of confidence.

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Carissimi · F

As painful as it may be, you have to let your father go, or at least avoid him, but more important is not to share anything about your life with him, including your thoughts and goals. He is a negative drain on your mental wellbeing, and probably will never change. I’m sorry.

JestAJester · 31-35, M

@Carissimi practically already do that. Once in awhile i make the mistake ot trying to share something with him that im passionate about. He does this thing where he kind of nods in acknowledgment but doesnt say anything and then pretends im not there. Gets super frustrated when i reciprocate that.

Carissimi · F

It is that eternal (false) hope that a child has that their parent will approve, and take an interest in them. It’s not really eternal, but it can last for decades, at least. It’s natural to slip up and forget you are talking to a “withholder,” and maybe even a narcissist. Whatever the label, it’s abusive, even if it’s passive. It will always be with you, but it can be buried deep in your store consciousness, only to raise its painful head up when some association/trigger brings it to the fore. Just know that it’s not you. It’s him. @JestAJester