I was so happy as a kid. [I Know A Narcissist]

I spent all my time with my family and everything seemed perfect. I was normal, not stained with depression or pain. I loved my mom and dad without caution.

Now I'm an adult and I realize all the things they did wrong to me. I'm scarred and unhappy. Our relationship is estranged. I know that they all (with the exception of one) miss the "old me". I do, too. But I don't know if it will ever be the same again. My parents will pass away, still missing the "me" I once was. They'll never get him back.

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KristinaM · 36-40, F

Part of growing up is seeing your parents as the flawed people that they are. It’s very sad sometimes. Are there some purely good memories that you can hang onto?

Life changes. You’ll change. There may come a time that you feel some kind of deeper understanding of your parents. Maybe some day you can forgive them for your own sake. Or at least love them from a distance with healthy boundaries.

SinlessOnslaught · 26-30, M

@KristinaM Yeah, true that all kids eventually learn that their parents aren't superheroes. But I think in my case, it happened very suddenly and very extremely.

KristinaM · 36-40, F

@SinlessOnslaught That’s rough😕 Maybe you have to grieve the childhood you wish you had.

SinlessOnslaught · 26-30, M

@KristinaM I just feel bad. Bad about everything. Bad that I was treated poorly, bad that my parents tried so hard and yet I still say they failed. Because I really do believe they did their best. They just didn't have a healthy building block.

KristinaM · 36-40, F

@SinlessOnslaught It looks like you’ve already taken a first step by acknowledging that they did the best they could. You are a compassionate person. I hope you can find some peace sooner rather than later🤗

SinlessOnslaught · 26-30, M

@KristinaM Thank you. Hugs

KristinaM · 36-40, F

@SinlessOnslaught Anytime 🤗