Good day, host. I hope my response proves useful to you in some way.
The host believes that he should not be too assertive, for fear of hurting his parents. As a result, he is subconsciously motivated to make his parents happy, which leads him to prioritize being less good than being good. This approach may make his parents feel happier, but it also increases the likelihood of him being told how stupid he is. In response, he may then try to prove that he is okay, which can lead to internal conflict and contradiction.
You have indicated that you are reluctant to express your genuine opinions when interacting with others. You are concerned about causing discomfort to others and would prefer to avoid confrontation than speak your mind. This behavior is reminiscent of the dynamics observed in an attachment relationship. In such a relationship, individuals may feel constrained, prioritizing the needs of others while neglecting their own. Over time, this can lead to a sense of unease and discomfort in the relationship.
I would like to offer the following advice:
It is recommended that you communicate directly and positively with your parents to determine whether they are genuinely concerned about your potential to surpass them.
It is unclear whether the original poster has discussed this issue with their parents or received a definitive response. It is possible that they are concerned about being surpassed by you. It is important to note that speculation without direct communication may not be an accurate representation of the situation.
I will provide an example from my own experience. My father was not an effective communicator and rarely offered direct praise. Even when he did commend me, he would do so in the presence of others, offering praise indirectly. When he was with me, he rarely expressed that I was doing a great job. As a result, I felt that he did not fully recognize my abilities and contributions.
It wasn't until recently that I recognized my deep-seated apprehension towards authority figures. My teachers advised me to seek a candid discussion with my father, as a fear of authority often stems from underlying familial issues. I approached my father with this concern and asked him directly, "Do you approve of me?" My father responded with a hearty laugh and affirmed his unwavering support.
"I simply have difficulty expressing myself effectively, but I genuinely approve of you and have held this positive regard for you since you were young."
This dialogue proved instrumental in resolving my internal conflict.
I recommend that you engage in an open dialogue with your parents. It is possible that they do not perceive you as a threat and instead hope for your continued growth and improvement.
2. It is unavoidable that you will surpass your parents.
In today's group chat, Happiness 1983 made an interesting observation. They noted that the process of growing up is, in a sense, a process of betraying the original family. Before the chick hatches, the shell protects it, but after it hatches, the shell becomes a limitation.
The reason for human progress and development is that we can build on the achievements of our ancestors and make innovations and breakthroughs. From an evolutionary psychology perspective, children need to outperform their parents, and each generation should be stronger than the previous one. Furthermore, according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, we all have the need for self-realization and the need to be respected. Therefore, we do not want to be called stupid, and we do not want to suppress our own aura.
It is therefore unsurprising that you feel uncomfortable when you deliberately try to hide yourself.
You indicate that you suppress your own needs and desires in order to avoid causing your parents distress. However, it is important to recognise that parents also have a responsibility to take control of their own lives.
It is commendable that you are kind and consider the feelings of others. However, it is important to understand that suppressed needs and emotions will not disappear. They will accumulate and, when the right opportunity arises, either erupt outwardly or attack inwardly.
I kindly request that you refrain from suppressing your needs and emotions. It is essential to accept your desire for personal growth and to avoid assuming the responsibilities and burdens of your parents. By doing so, you will be able to flourish and achieve a life of fulfilment.
3. Learn to distinguish between issues.
There are likely underlying reasons for parents' behaviors and thought processes. These may include past experiences, learned behaviors, or concerns about potential risks.
It is essential to identify these reasons and comprehend their behavior. Only by understanding the rationale behind their actions can we accept them and break the cycle.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that attempting to change another person is an ineffective use of resources. If someone is not willing to change themselves, no external force can control them. Therefore, the most productive approach is to focus on our own growth, take responsibility for our actions, and address our own issues.
To manage relationships with parents, it is essential to differentiate between personal and parental concerns. Individuals must learn to assume responsibility for their own life challenges and refrain from attributing their parents' issues to themselves.
How can one discern the difference?
How can one discern the difference?
It is a straightforward concept: the individual who experiences the direct consequences of an action is responsible for that action.
It's a straightforward concept: the individual who is directly affected by an event is the one who should address it.
It is a common issue that parents find it difficult to accept their children surpassing them. This is a personal challenge that can be seen as part of their growth journey. The decision of whether to surpass one's parents or not is a personal choice. However, it is important to understand that this choice has consequences.
It is a common issue that parents find it difficult to accept their children surpassing them. This is a personal challenge that can be seen as part of their growth journey. However, the decision of whether to surpass one's parents or not is a personal choice. Once a choice is made, the consequences must be faced.
As an example, one may choose to refrain from surpassing their parents and continue with the current pattern of suppressing themselves while experiencing the urge to prove themselves. Alternatively, one may choose to surpass their parents, be true to themselves, but accept that they will be unhappy. Finally, one may choose to surpass their parents, communicate with them when they see that they are unhappy, and help them grow.
It is important to note that perfection is unattainable. However, it is essential to take ownership of one's decisions and accept the consequences that accompany them.
The final decision is yours to make. You simply need to clarify your own topic and theirs, take ownership of your topic, and avoid imposing their topic on yourself. This will make the process much more straightforward.
Please refer to the above for your convenience.
Best regards,
Comments
I can totally relate to feeling like you're in a constant competition with your parents. It's tough when you feel that their happiness is tied to being better than you. Maybe they have their own insecurities that come out this way.
It sounds like a challenging situation where selfworth is constantly being compared and measured against your parents'. Perhaps there's a generational gap or cultural expectation that drives their behavior rather than any personal flaw.
This feels like an unhealthy dynamic, and it's sad that you've internalized the need to underperform to keep peace. Parents should encourage growth, not limit it. Maybe they don't know how to react to your achievements positively.
It seems like you've carried this fear of upsetting others into other areas of your life. It might be helpful to set boundaries and realize that it's okay to assert yourself without it being a reflection on your parents' capabilities.
Your experience growing up could have shaped your communication style. It might be worth exploring with a therapist to unpack these feelings and learn healthier ways to interact both within your family and outside.