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At 27, why do I always struggle to keep my emotions in check during arguments with my parents?

only child parental control rebellion family conflicts guilt feelings
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At 27, why do I always struggle to keep my emotions in check during arguments with my parents? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

I am an only child in my family. Since I was young, my parents did not have time to take care of me. I took care of myself at home and was very obedient and did well in school. I never rebelled. But after I graduated from college and returned home, I often quarreled with my parents about various things, such as living habits and ways of thinking. I get especially annoyed when they try to control or educate me. Every time, I resist, even though I know they are right. I can't help but raise my voice and argue back with them, especially when I clearly feel that I have thought about the matter thoroughly on my own, but they still deliberately come over to lecture me. At this time, my mother, who is a caring parent who pays attention to every detail, will say that she has done a lot for me, implying that I am being ungrateful. This has happened more and more frequently recently, and I can't help but lose my temper. But in fact, after the argument, I feel guilty. I don't want to be educated all the time anymore, but I am also grateful that my parents have worked hard for me and have done so much for me. I feel like an unfilial son, always making them angry, but I am really annoyed every time we argue. What should I do?

Penelope Shaw Penelope Shaw A total of 8061 people have been helped

Hello, host. I hope my answer can be of some help to you.

In my opinion, the best way to be filial is to live our own lives well. When we feel happy and satisfied with our lives, it is likely that our parents will feel more at ease and happy for us.

Furthermore, it is important to navigate our relationships with our parents in a way that is respectful and constructive. This involves establishing reasonable boundaries, communicating effectively, and viewing the relationship as a positive force in our lives, rather than an obstacle.

If I might offer you a suggestion, it would be this:

It is important to accept your parents for who they are. We cannot change other people.

As the saying goes, "A change of heart." There are only three things in this world: your own affairs, other people's affairs, and the affairs of heaven. It can be challenging to find balance when we feel we are pulled in multiple directions. It's natural to worry about other people's affairs and the affairs of heaven, but it's also important to recognize that we cannot control everything.

It's important to remember that what other people think and do is their business, and we can't control it. Everyone (including your mom and dad) is an independent individual. What they think and feel is influenced by a number of factors, including their genes, upbringing, education, living environment, etc. So, they are just the way they are. If they don't want to change, there's nothing we can do.

While we cannot change her, we can certainly change ourselves. We can try to accept her and express our needs and feelings to her.

When you truly accept her, you will find that her behavior does not disgust you. Instead, you will be calm because you will recognize that she is just like this. She is not the way you idealize her. She has her limitations, but she loves you. She just loves you in a way that is different from what you expect.

2. It may be helpful to express your feelings and needs through non-violent communication.

The steps of non-violent communication are as follows: first, state the objective facts; then, express your feelings; then, express your needs; and finally, request the other person to take action.

You might consider saying something like this to your mother: "Mum, today... When... you said... because of... I felt... (state the objective facts, being careful not to accuse or judge), I felt bad, a bit aggrieved, and a bit angry (express your true feelings). I'm all grown up now, and I hope you can respect some of my decisions, and let me make some decisions on my own (express your needs). In the future, could we try communicating in a different way? I'd love to hear what your needs are (ask the other person to take action).

You might also consider inviting her to talk about her feelings and thoughts. It's possible that she's doing this out of concern and worry for you, and that she's unsure of how to help you because this is the only way she knows.

It may be helpful to understand each other's needs and feelings in this way, as it could lead to a deeper emotional connection and a greater understanding and knowledge of each other.

3. It may be helpful to consider using appropriate methods to release emotions.

If you feel a strong conflict or contradiction within you, it may be helpful to consider releasing your emotions in a way that feels comfortable for you. There are a few ways this can be done:

1. It would be beneficial to socialize with friends who can provide support and encouragement, and who you feel comfortable with.

2. Consider engaging in physical activity that you enjoy, and allow your body and mind to relax during your workout.

3. Writing therapy: You might find it helpful to write down all your feelings and thoughts on paper. There's no need to worry about whether your handwriting is clear and neat, or to pay attention to the logic of the content. You can just express your feelings as much as you like.

4. Another option for releasing anger is to punch pillows or sandbags, which provides a way to safely and effectively release pent-up energy.

5. You might consider using the empty chair technique to release emotions. In a room, place an empty chair, assuming that the person you want to confide in is sitting in the chair. You can then express yourself to the chair (anger, abuse are fine).

I wish you the best of luck.

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Eliot Eliot A total of 4011 people have been helped

Hello! I'll give you a warm hug from afar first.

You might feel resentment, helplessness, or guilt in your heart because your parents are too involved in your life.

You feel really uncomfortable when your parents are more involved in your life. You feel disrespected, misunderstood, and unsupported, but you can't tell your parents how you really feel. You want to be treated with respect, understanding, and support.

You might feel like you have to hide your true feelings because you think that everything you have is the result of your parents' hard work and struggle. If you don't accept the way your parents treat you, it could make them feel bad. But you can't change how they treat you as a child.

It's important to understand that parents do everything for their kids out of love. Love requires respect and understanding. If a parent's love means having their child obey them and do what they say, it's not love. It's control, and the parent is trying to fulfill their own unfulfilled life ideals through the child.

Kids have their own lives, and they don't have to fill in for unfulfilled lives.

So, you don't need to feel guilty or blame yourself for having better living and learning conditions because of your parents. When you're ready, you can thank them for it however you want.

I'm Lily, the little listener at the Q&A Pavilion. The world and I love you.

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Comments

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Marcus Miller A teacher's knowledge is a lighthouse that warns students of the rocks of ignorance.

I can totally relate to feeling torn between gratitude and frustration. It's hard when you want to appreciate everything they've done but also need your independence respected. Maybe we could all benefit from a calm conversation where everyone shares their feelings without judgment.

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Erica Jackson The more you engage in diligence, the more you discover.

It sounds like there's a lot of unspoken tension between you and your parents. Perhaps setting boundaries is what you need. You could explain that while you respect their advice, you're an adult now and would like to make your own decisions. Clear communication might help them understand where you're coming from.

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Payne Thomas The crown of a noble character is honesty.

The generation gap can be so challenging sometimes. I think it's important for you to express how much you value their efforts, but also assert your need for personal space and decisionmaking. Maybe suggest regular family meetings to discuss issues in a structured way before they escalate into arguments.

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August Miller Forgiveness is a decision to see people and situations as they are, without the distortion of resentment.

Feeling guilty after arguments is tough, but it's okay to have these emotions. You could try writing a letter to your parents, explaining your feelings and thoughts. Sometimes it's easier to say things in writing that are hard to express in the heat of the moment. This could open up a more constructive dialogue.

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Dahlia Crown The best revenge is massive success.

I understand wanting to honor your parents while also standing up for yourself. Have you considered inviting a neutral third party, like a counselor, to mediate discussions? It might provide a safer environment for both sides to voice concerns and work towards understanding each other better.

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