Guest -> RE: This is really long, but I need help... please! (3/15/2005 5:37:20 AM)
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The best advice I can recommend with the information provided is this: Before you attempt to speak with your father at all about any of these deep seated feelings, lock yourself up in your room with a box of tissues, some chocolate (or other comfort food) and a pen and paper (yeah old fashioned writing implements) and write your father a letter from the heart. Please do not use a computer as there is something far more cathartic about putting pen to paper. Bare everything you feel, hold absolutely nothing back. Your feelings on how he treated you growing up (the belittling as well as the good things) your feelings on the divorce, his underhandedness with the finances vis a vis your mother , the new marriage and all it entails, your resentments about being placed "in the middle", your fears and expctations abotu the future, and absolutely everything and anything that may come out - good or bad. Spill your feelings onto that paper; both the feelings that you are proud of owning, and those you may be less willing to show to the light of day (but which you must in order to heal, grow and move forward). Cry, yell, hell throw things if it makes the process easier, but put pen to paper. When you can't write anymore then put the letter aside, take a long hot bath and then a nice long nap and spend the next day or so with close friends pursuing fun activities to take your mind off the feelings the letter brought to the surface. After a few days or even a week, return to the letter and read it several times and ingest as much as you can. Ultimately this has nothing to do with your father, and everything to do with you. That being the case, Do not send it to him, instead you should destroy it. Perhaps a ritualistic burning or some other ceremonial purging (symbolically putting it behind you). I trust you will find that afterwards you will have far more clarity than you could ever imagine possible and can then address the issues with your father with a renewed sense of self awareness and self empowerment - and you may even have a new found sense of compassion, understanding and forgiveness which have been understandably clouded by your emotions to date (if not, that's OK too). He is your father, yes, and your relationship with him will have a profound impact on the rest of your life and those in your imediate and extended family. This excercise has so little to do with him, and everythign to do with you. Though some things are unforgiveable, only you can decide what meets your own litmus test. In my experience, you should also, after processing your own feelings in such a manner, then have the strength both to set the boundaries you will need for a healthy relationship as an adult daughter of yet another imperfect father, and the strength to tell him how you feel in a loving way (should you still feel the need) so you don't harbor additional feelings of guilt or make matters worse for all involved. If you do decide afterwards to confront him, keep the finger wagging to a minimum- we've all got our issues after all. If, after processing, you feel you do not want him in your life or cannot at this time, there is no shame in that either so long as you are honest and loving. We, meaning self-respecting adults, are ultimately only responsible for our sides of the street in any given relationship. His side of the street is his responsibility and even if he can never address his own failings, errors and character liabilities to your satisfaction, ultimately it won't matter much if you've addressed your own feelings thoroughly. Keep in mind that nobody can tell you how you should feel or react to this situation, not even those who have been through experiences that mirror it - though they can certainly commiserate and listen/help you process your feelings and make pertinent suggestions to process them (as I have done). The bottom line is that you need to find your truth inside you, nurture it and make it a bulwark against future manipulations from your father. This is also a vital component to you're own process of becoming a young, emotionally sound adult. My suggestion is just that. Whatever you choose to do I wish you the best of luck. Mod5
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