Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I need some advice about what I can say to my dad. I am going to have to call him this weekend. The last time we talked, he told me that things have been tough around his house for the past few weeks and implied that I was the cause of these problems. I don't even live in the same state! I apologized (albeit sarcastically) for being the cause of the problems in his marraige and he replied with, well there are other things going on too - it isn't all you. Gee thanks, dad. It all boils down to me not thinking of his new wife's kids like I do my brother or the kids from his second marraige. Yes, this is his 3rd marraige. With the 2nd, we all lived in the same house and that stepmom provided care for us. They had 2 little girls and I spent a lot of time caring for my sisters and I love them a lot. With the new stepmom, I do not feel emotionally attached to any of them. I am nice to them, but I don't feel the need to go out of my way. I guess the real problem came at Christmas. I bought iPods for my sisters. I was looking at presents for the step brothers, but my husband was like - do you really have to get them presents too... why would you get presents for them. I shouldn't have listened to him, but I did, and didn't get them anything. Now, I'm catching hell for it from my dad and his wife. What can I do to repair this? He does other things to annoy me too, but I think that's just him. His 2nd wife broke him, I think. :(
My husband made me realise that I was being abused by my father and I DONT HAVE TO BE A DADDY PLEASER!!!
I had it out with my overbearing and abusive father last year. I set up boundries and follow them closely! If he crosses the line I let him know, either by polietly ending the conversation, or excusing myself and leaving. I am not going to be his emotional punching bag any longer!! I may not be able to change how he treats me...but I DO have the power to choose how I react to it! Good Luck!!
yeah - probably easier to get a small present next year for the boys....send a card with a small gift or gift card on their birthdays....but you did NOTHING wrong.
Seems like the problem is on THEIR end - if there is STILL a problem in February about a 'gift' error. Talk to your dad about YOUR life and issues. Don't apologize for things that you did not do and issues with his new family.
Jana