- Joined
- Sep 7, 2020
- Messages
- 5,549
You are not obligated to maintain a relationship with your parents if it is harmful for you to do so, and it is completely understandable for you to choose to reduce or cut off contact with them. Sharing DNA does not negate any harm they may do and/or have done.
It's hard to tell without more information, but some of what you said (deflection, not being able to handle criticism, perceiving things to be about him/a slight to him, low self-esteem, attempting to manipulate your emotions, gaslighting, etc) sounds like your dad may have aspects of covert narcissism. I would suggest looking into that, as the emotional damage narcissistic parents can cause is quite serious and usually overlooked by most people.
It's hard to tell without more information, but some of what you said (deflection, not being able to handle criticism, perceiving things to be about him/a slight to him, low self-esteem, attempting to manipulate your emotions, gaslighting, etc) sounds like your dad may have aspects of covert narcissism. I would suggest looking into that, as the emotional damage narcissistic parents can cause is quite serious and usually overlooked by most people.