Good day, inquirer.
As the adage states, one's thoughts during the day manifest as dreams at night. You have recently been experiencing frequent dreams about your parents' altercations. You exhibit a profound concern for your parents' relationship, as you have articulated. I comprehend the pervasive despondency you awaken with. I also grasp the reality of your prolonged upbringing amidst a seemingly incessant cycle of parental discord. I extend a comforting embrace.
It is important to note that as children, we lack the authority to intervene in our parents' lives. This is due to a combination of factors, including a lack of power and the fact that any potential intervention would be between the parents themselves. In other words, it is not our place to interfere in their personal matters. While we have the autonomy to make decisions about our own affairs, we do not have the authority to dictate the actions of others.
As we are unable to control our parents' arguments, we can, however, exercise control over our own responses to them. With regard to the question of how we should view such arguments, I would like to present my own experience as an example.
During my own formative years, I recall experiencing similar challenges. When confronted with my parents' disagreements, I often felt a profound sense of distress, to the point where I was reluctant to return home. However, despite these differences, they both demonstrated unwavering love and commitment, which ultimately served as a source of strength.
Similarly, I encountered periods of depression during my school years, and the prospect of returning home during holidays often seemed unappealing. When I eventually married, I was driven by a desire to find a harmonious relationship where mutual respect and understanding were paramount. I was determined to avoid the heated arguments that had characterised my parents' relationship.
However, following my marriage, the situation replicated that of my parents. My husband and I frequently engage in conflict, and my children have also expressed profound discontent. I have endured significant distress from my parents' disagreements, and now I am experiencing similar difficulties with my children.
In my view, if couples do not engage in conflict, they cannot resolve their issues. This process is often challenging. I believe that I only engage in conflict when I reach my limit. In other words, I believe that I still pay close attention to my behavior and that I have become aware and do not want to engage in endless conflict like my parents.
During my formative years, I recall that when my mother and father engaged in discord, he would frequently assert that his decision to cohabit with her would be contingent upon the presence of our children. However, I have observed that when my husband and I experience a similar level of discord, we refrain from making such a statement, which has led to a greater sense of comfort for our child. I perceive this as a positive aspect of my personality.
The purpose of my lengthy discourse on this topic is to demonstrate the vital necessity for couples to engage in constructive conflict. For many couples, the absence of such discourse may result in the suppression of subconscious issues, leading to the perception of emotional distress. Furthermore, the lack of discourse may exacerbate existing problems between parents.
They engage in conflict precisely because it allows them to release their emotions. This enables them to progress in the context of the challenging daily life they face. From your description of the problem, it is evident that your parents have made some progress. As you have previously observed, their situation is not comparable to that of your junior high school days, when there was a significant conflict every three days and a minor conflict every two days. Despite this, it was also characterised by open and covert hostility. It can therefore be concluded that they are on the verge of resolving their differences. As the younger generation, it is our responsibility to allow them to do so.
Furthermore, it is likely that you will have completed high school by the time this issue arises at home. As we mature, we can apply the insights we have gained to facilitate communication between our parents. When faced with a conflict between your parents, you are now equipped with the knowledge to seek assistance. In psychology, the primary objective is to recognize one's own challenges, which marks the initial stage of healing. Therefore, you have already embarked on the path to recovery.
It is worthwhile to consider my own experience at the time. I did not seek assistance, and I was also preoccupied with my academic studies in high school. I was quite frustrated at the time, but I ultimately managed to overcome these challenges. It is important to trust your parents and recognize that they communicate in their own way. By doing so, you may find a greater sense of inner peace and resilience.
Furthermore, it is evident that you recall the instances when your parents took you on joyful excursions during your childhood. From your perspective as a child, your parents exhibited a remarkable degree of harmony and cohesion. This observation led me to question the veracity of the memories we hold from our childhood. Why might this be? It is possible that when we were younger, we slept soundly and adhered to the norms and behaviors of our elders. Consequently, it is plausible that your parents engaged in disagreements when you were not present. This implies that the image of your parents as a harmonious couple may have been a mere reflection of a few positive instances. Instead, let us view this as an optimistic expectation for the future.
Additionally, I would like to mention that my parents, now in their advanced age, have exhibited similar patterns of conflict during their younger years. Despite occasional disagreements, their relationship has remained remarkably resilient. When observing their interactions, I have come to perceive that the intensity of their arguments is not as pronounced as it was during their youth.
Moreover, I have observed a distinct shift in my own approach to conflict. While I engage in arguments, I also strive to maintain a high level of consideration and respect. This realization has led me to seek guidance through psychology, with the ultimate goal of extending support to others who may be facing similar challenges.
The experiences of my parents and my own illustrate that the situation your parents are in is, in fact, normal. I would also like to discuss the case of a classmate of my child. At the time, they were also in junior high school, and my child's classmate was particularly concerned about his parents. He stated that his parents frequently expressed a desire to divorce, and he was fearful that they would do so. At that time, I also advised my child to do his utmost to reassure him, informing him that it was acceptable, that his parents were merely engaged in a disagreement and uttering statements they did not truly intend, and that as long as he performed well at school, his parents were striving for a superior quality of life. Presently, they are both in college, and his classmate's parents are leading a fulfilling existence.
It is therefore incumbent upon the younger generation to avoid allowing their parents' disagreements to have a significant impact on them. This is a matter that should be resolved between the parents themselves. It would be beneficial for them to read the book A Change of Heart, which contains specific methods for changing one's mind in a gradual manner.
Ultimately, it is my hope that you will be able to extricate yourself from this situation at the earliest possible convenience. Furthermore, it is my sincere wish that you will be able to perceive the harmony that exists between your parents when they engage in heated discussions and that you will be able to replenish your lost energy with minimal delay so that you may resume living your life to the fullest.
I extend my affection to the world and to you.
Comments
I can totally relate to how you're feeling. It's really tough when your parents have a rocky relationship, especially since it affects you so deeply. I often wonder if there's anything we can do to help them see how their conflicts impact us. The dreams are a clear sign of how much this weighs on you. Maybe talking to them about how their arguments make you feel could be a start.
It sounds like you're carrying a heavy burden with all these emotions. Sometimes, just expressing what you're going through to someone, even a friend or a counselor, can bring some relief. The past is hard to forget, but focusing on what you can control now might help ease the stress. You deserve to feel better and less overwhelmed by their issues.
Your feelings are completely valid. It's heartbreaking to see the people you love in conflict. Perhaps seeking professional help for yourself or even suggesting family therapy could provide some tools to cope. It's important not to suppress those feelings; they need to be addressed. Finding a way to express your emotions, like writing or art, might also help you process everything you're experiencing.
The impact of your parents' relationship on your own wellbeing is significant. It's important to acknowledge that you're not alone in this struggle. Many people face similar challenges. Have you considered setting boundaries or creating a space where you can focus on your own needs? Sometimes, taking small steps towards selfcare can make a big difference in how you handle these situations.
Dreaming about their arguments must be really distressing. It's understandable that you miss the times when things were better. Maybe it's time to think about ways to protect your mental health. This could mean finding support systems, whether it's friends, family, or professionals. Remember, it's okay to seek help and prioritize your own emotional health amidst all of this.