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My parents divorced when I was 6 years old. For many years, I didn't go back to see him, for fear of making my mother angry.

divorce patriarchal rebellion father's behavior family reconciliation
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My parents divorced when I was 6 years old. For many years, I didn't go back to see him, for fear of making my mother angry. By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

My parents divorced when I was 6 years old. My father was patriarchal and often went whoring, and even brought the prostitutes home to eat dinner and sleep at night. My mother rebelled by sitting at home and not sleeping. He took that woman out of the house. I still feel that I was too timid at the time and did not dare say a word to my father. If I had expressed my dissatisfaction and said something, would our family have reconciled, would my parents not have divorced, or would my father have been better to the family? After my parents divorced, my father lived with many women, married and divorced again. Now that he is old and in poor health, with no one to take care of him, she called me again and asked me to give him money. I gave it to him, but found out that he spent it on other women. I was very angry and blocked him. I rarely see him anymore because I live far away and haven't gone back for many years. I want to go see him, but I'm afraid my mother will be angry. My mother will never forgive my father. What should I do?

Narcissa Narcissa A total of 9967 people have been helped

Hi there,

After reading your question, I can see what you're up against and I get where you're coming from.

First of all, when you were a child, your family environment was pretty chaotic and unhealthy. You were still so young at the time that it was completely understandable that you were afraid to express your dissatisfaction. Even if you had said something, it may not have changed your father's behavior or decisions. The fundamental reason for your parents' divorce lies in your father's own problems, not your attitude.

Your father's current situation is disappointing and infuriating, given his past actions. It's understandable that you're angry and want to block him after you gave him money that he spent on other women.

You mentioned you're worried about upsetting your mother if you want to visit your father. You can find a good time to talk to her about your thoughts and feelings. Let her know you have mixed feelings about your father. On the one hand, you're disappointed in his past actions. On the other hand, you're still concerned about him because he's old and weak.

Let your mother know that visiting your father doesn't mean you've forgiven him for what he did, and it's not a betrayal of her. It's just because of the unbreakable bond you have with your family.

You could also think about approaching the issue gradually. For example, you could mention your father's current situation to your mother in a tentative way and then see how she reacts. Or, when you visit your father, try not to make it obvious and avoid telling your mother directly. Then you can wait until the time is right to tell her.

No matter what you decide, it's important to respect your own feelings and consider your mother's emotions. Try to find a balance between the two. I hope you can successfully resolve this dilemma and find peace within yourself.

Wishing you the best!

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Violet Grace Vaughan Violet Grace Vaughan A total of 7900 people have been helped

Your desire to see your relationship-with-his-father-and-feels-very-anxious-what-should-be-done-7353.html" target="_blank">father shows you forgive him. However, you say he "prefers sons to daughters, frequents prostitutes, married and divorced, and has no one to take care of him." You got angry and blocked him. He seems like just a name to you. Why do you love him so much or want to see him?

You need to clarify this answer.

You said you were too shy to express your dissatisfaction. How do you feel about your father trying to prostitute himself in the family? What was your father like to you? You only had a short time together. For a child under 6, they may not have understood things fully. Maybe your dissatisfaction came from your parents' confrontation, not the matter itself.

Do you still feel resentment? Do you have the courage?

Do you understand why your mother won't forgive? It seems like your father is consistent. You blocked him, but you still want to see him. Is there a reason?

You don't mention your mother much. It sounds like you grew up with her, and you want to visit your father, but she doesn't forgive. If you have a reason to go, and she won't compromise, you have to choose.

You don't know what to do because you feel they're equally important.

What do you think of your father? It's a bit confusing.

You still hope for reconciliation and don't want a divorce. Is this what you think and regret?

Do you want to find out what happened because you wish you had said something differently? Is that why you want to go and see for yourself?

This is about you and your parents. What you say won't change anything. Your mother is still determined to stick to her position. Most people will understand and support her. They will say, "Have you grown up yet? Do you still have such unrealistic expectations as a child?"

You need a clearer and stronger reason for any decision.

I wish you happiness.

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Comments

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Freya Jackson Every challenge in growth is a chance to rewrite our story.

I can see how complex and painful this situation is for you. It's important to consider your own wellbeing while also trying to honor the relationships you have with both of your parents. Perhaps finding a way to visit your father without it impacting your relationship with your mother could be a solution. Maybe communicating with your father through letters or calls could help you maintain some connection without direct confrontation.

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Phoebe Thomas Time is a journey that reveals our true character.

It's heartbreaking that your father's actions have caused so much turmoil in your life. You've carried this burden for a long time, and it's understandable that you feel conflicted about helping him now. Sometimes setting boundaries is necessary for our own peace of mind. If you decide to support him financially again, perhaps you could arrange for the money to go towards specific needs like medical care instead of giving him cash directly.

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Cordelia Anderson Learning is a journey of the heart and the mind.

Your feelings of guilt and regret about not speaking up as a child are valid, but it's important to remember you were just that—a child. Now as an adult, you have the power to make choices that protect your emotional health. If you choose to reconnect with your father, doing so in a way that doesn't compromise your relationship with your mother might mean keeping those interactions private or limited.

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Sean Davis Time is a precious gift, waste it not.

Balancing loyalty to both parents is incredibly difficult, especially when they have such a troubled history. It sounds like you're trying to find a compassionate approach while also respecting your mother's wishes. Maybe talking to a counselor could provide you with strategies on how to navigate these challenging family dynamics.

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Wyatt Davis Make time for the things that matter.

You're in a tough spot, torn between two parents who have a lot of unresolved issues. Reaching out to your father might bring some closure for you, even if it doesn't change anything between him and your mother. Just remember, whatever decision you make, it's okay to prioritize your mental and emotional health above all else.

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