our families began these cycles of dysfunction ? Regardless , what really matters is , Now what ? You can break the curse . You can receive help . You can become a healthy man . The first step ? You ’ ll need to get your head around what went wrong . Because if you ’ re trying to solve the wrong problem , you can only succeed by accident .
Here are seven generalized descriptions of negative parenting . They will overlap , so don ’ t be surprised if you identify the way you were raised with more than one profile . Not every description will apply , but as you read , ask yourself , Was this generally the case ?
“ My Parents Were Passive ”
Your parents were under-involved . They simply were not there for you . They were in the home physically , but they were distant and emotionally unavailable . They were not engaged with you . You didn ’ t regularly hear words of love , affection , and affirmation . You felt like you were on your own and had to fend for yourself , and you assumed this was your fault .
“ My Parents Were Absent ”
Your parents were not in the picture . Whether by divorce , death , mental illness , or choice , they were physically or emotionally absent .
You were not the center of their universe . They were busy . Your mom or dad ( or both ) pursued money , career , position , prestige , and worldly notoriety .
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