Good day, landlord. I hope my response can be of some assistance to you.
It's understandable to feel a longing for your father's love and affection. However, it might be helpful to consider whether communication is the best way to receive it. It's possible that your father is not the most talkative person and that his views align with traditional male chauvinism. This could lead to a sense of fear about not receiving the care and love you desire.
I hope you can feel some warmth and support. As a daughter, I can relate to this feeling, and my father also rarely spoke. For a long time, I also longed for his recognition and affection, but I was also afraid of not getting a good response. The last time I went home, I mustered the courage and finally went to find my father to communicate. I found that, in fact, he loved me, it's just that his way of expressing love was different from what I expected. Therefore, if I can suggest that we should still communicate with our fathers, then what else do we need to do?
It is important to note that changing our perspective and moving away from the role of a victim does not mean that we can change our experiences. However, it does allow us the opportunity to approach them in a different manner.
We often say that people can choose their future, but we cannot choose our birth. When we truly accept that our biological parents are the only people who can be our parents, we may find it easier to let go of that sense of grievance and the thoughts and ideas of wanting to change our parents.
It is understandable that we may feel that our parents have hurt us in the past, and that we may resent or even hate them for their inaction. The mistreatment we suffered is real. However, it is important to consider that this perspective may not be entirely helpful for us.
Perhaps what matters most is not the past, but the direction we want to go in and our true desires.
It is important to recognize that maintaining a victim role with all kinds of grievances may not be the most helpful approach. While it can be challenging to accept the unfair treatment we feel, it is essential to understand that it is not a fact, but rather a different point of view from a different perspective.
Perhaps our feelings will be different when we look at things from a different perspective.
For instance, we could consider the circumstances and era in which our father lived. It might be the case that, in general, fathers in that generation placed a higher value on sons than daughters. However, this does not necessarily mean that they did not love their daughters. It is possible that they were constrained by the influence of culture. Similarly, we could examine our past from the perspective of species evolution. This is because humans often retain negative information and are more likely to ignore positive information. Therefore, we could ask ourselves whether, beyond the idea that our father valued sons over daughters, he also demonstrated some loving behaviour towards us.
2. You may find it helpful to view your parents through the eyes of your father's parents. This could assist you in gaining a deeper understanding of your father and reveal additional insights.
It might be helpful to try to see your father through the eyes of your parents (your grandparents). At this time, you are standing in the shoes of your grandparents and looking at their child (your father). Do they seem to have the ability and strength to take care of this child?
When they see this child, how do they feel? Do they feel proud, sorry, indifferent, or something else?
Perhaps it would be helpful to consider your father through the eyes of his parents. Initially, you may have viewed him through the lens of a child. By shifting to the perspective of your parents, you can gain a more nuanced understanding of your father. When viewed through this broader lens, it's natural to question whether the child in front of you is truly good.
Could I ask what his needs might be? And what emotions might he be experiencing?
Could I ask what you have given and what he has lacked?
Perhaps it would be helpful to consider that when he was a child, he also had many desires. It may be challenging to guarantee that all of them can be satisfied. It's possible that you may also have your own regrets and feelings of helplessness.
If you would like to, you can look back on the history of your family across generations. You may find that there is a reason why your father is the way he is and carries the message he does. It is not his fault. Perhaps he has already given you what he believes to be the best, but he has his limitations.
By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of our father, recognize his limitations, and accept him for who he is. This allows us to let go of past grievances and obsessions, learn to care for our inner selves, and become our own inner parents.
3. It may be helpful to learn to be your own inner parent, while also trying to communicate and express yourself sincerely to your father.
If you are open to it, you can engage in some honest communication with your father. It's not that he doesn't love you; it's just that he may not know how to express it in the way you'd like. This is something many of us have experienced. When we're ready to extend a willingness to communicate, it can open the door to a deeper connection. You can choose a time when you're both in a positive frame of mind and ask your father, "Dad, do you approve of me? I'd really love for you to be more like so-and-so's father and show me more affection. I need this kind of care and love from you to feel secure and happy. In the future, you can... (state your specific expectations and requests of your father)."
I believe that if you are prepared and really communicate with your father sincerely, you may be surprised and gain a great deal. However, if you are not yet prepared, there is no need to force the issue.
However, we will eventually have to leave our parents' side and may not always receive the love we desire from them. This is why it is important for us to gradually become independent and learn to be our own "inner parents."
There is a concept in psychology called the "inner parent." When we become adults, we have the option of being our own inner parent, taking care of ourselves again, and giving ourselves the kind of love and attention we need.
Perhaps the answer to the question of how to take care of yourself is as simple as loving yourself.
It might be helpful to remember that loving yourself is actually instinctive, and something we should do regardless of whether we have any childhood trauma. When you want to love yourself, it could be beneficial to first get rid of self-limiting beliefs like "I was hurt as a child," "I was helpless," and "I'm a victim." Just love yourself as you are.
Otherwise, you may inadvertently be limiting your own potential.
I believe we can give ourselves comprehensive love from five perspectives.
It would be beneficial to take care of your body and meet your material needs appropriately. This could include things like eating on time, getting enough sleep, and having a balanced diet.
Emotions: It would be beneficial to learn how to take care of your emotions and use reasonable ways to release them, such as writing to heal and doing your favorite sports.
Time: open to considering ways of accepting the past and envisioning a positive future, with plans that are carefully considered.
Space: Allow yourself to enjoy everything around you, to enjoy being loved, and to learn how to give love with all your heart.
Mind: Consider setting aside time for yourself, exploring your inner self, enhancing your insight, and continuing to learn and grow.
Please note that the above is for reference only.
Wishing you all the best!
Comments
I can totally understand how painful it must have felt growing up without the love and support you deserved. It's really hard when you see others having what you lacked. Maybe starting with small steps, like finding a hobby or activity that makes you feel good about yourself, could help build your selfesteem. Therapy might also be a great option to explore those feelings in a safe space.
It's heartbreaking to hear about your experiences. I think acknowledging your pain is the first step. From there, surrounding yourself with positive influences and supportive friends can make a difference. Sometimes, joining groups or communities where people share similar backgrounds can offer comfort and understanding. Consider seeking professional help too, as they can provide strategies for healing.
Your story resonates deeply with me. It's important to recognize that your value isn't defined by your family's actions. Building a network of supportive relationships outside of your family can be incredibly healing. Perhaps engaging in therapy or counseling could help you process these feelings. Also, focusing on personal growth and setting goals for yourself can boost your confidence and sense of security.
It sounds like you've been through so much. Healing from this kind of emotional neglect takes time. Try to focus on nurturing yourself now. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and peace can be a start. It might also be beneficial to seek out a therapist who specializes in childhood trauma. They can guide you through the process of rebuilding your sense of selfworth and finding inner security.
What you've described is truly difficult. Feeling unloved can leave deep scars. It's crucial to work on selflove and selfcare. Finding a community or support group where you can connect with others who have had similar experiences can be very validating. Additionally, consider professional counseling to explore these feelings more deeply. Remember, it's never too late to start building a life where you feel loved and secure.