Discussion»Statements»Rosie's Corner» Was your dad an AUTHORITARIAN? Was it "my way or the highway" with him? Did you fear him? Were you glad to go out on your own?
My Dad was an authoritarian, born in 1902 to Methodists in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Yes, I feared him.
No, he was never interested in hearing anything I might have to say. A good child was one who listened. There were many things about me that he never knew and so couldn't have understood.
But he surprised me once, with a chance remark, within my hearing, to a school friend. You can use Amanda anyway you like. She will do anything for love." Of course, I had no real idea what love was. At the time I didn't understand why I felt so much shame and embarrassment hearing that. Once I'd gained some maturity, I did finally understand. He had known me better than I knew myself.
I was very happy when sent to a boarding school. He died when I was 14. But I was nonetheless keen to leave home and struck out on my own as soon as I left school at 18.
((hugs)) That is one of the most revealing and intimate looks inside another human being I've ever had the honor to read on any of my question threads bw and by now there have been bazillions of them. I seriously and sincerely appreciate your candor and honesty. My dad was the complete opposite of that. My mom was the one with the authoritarian tendencies but we had our daddy (I have a younger sister) who validated us and loved us and gave us the sense of safety and security all children should receive He also made us believe that we could do anything we set our mind to providing we were willing to work to achieve it. I am so sorry that was your experience. You're name is Amanda then? Are you a Mandy or do you prefer Amanda? Ever hear the song "MANDY"? It's a very nifty song. Retroactive condolences my dear. You deserved so much better than that. :( for your papa and :):):) for you!
This post was edited by RosieG at October 7, 2019 4:36 PM MDT
inky 