|
absolutuscchick, I can definitely relate...my mom is awesome but I've always had trouble with my stepdad. He sounds a lot like your parents, actually--very critical, very controlling. He's that way with everyone else in the family and we are all constantly walking on eggshells so that we won't inadvertently say something and make him explode, but with me there's the added bonus that he doesn't like the fact that I still have a relationship with my father. Did I mention he loves holding grudges?? It's really sad because he can be the absolute nicest person you would ever meet and he has done a lot for me (financially and opportunities-wise), but the other side of his personality is equally atrocious. I can't really give you any advice because I haven't figured out how to fix this either.
However, one of the psychologists I used to see recommended a book called "Toxic Parents"...I never read it, but she thought very highly of it. I don't know who the author is, but you could probably do a search and find it easily enough if you're interested.
|