I have a strict mom, starting to think of how this will affect my future.
#1
It’s taken decades to lose the bad habits that resulted from being raised by people who were strict, and not kind! I could go on for days or years about all the things I had to unlearn, starting with my self-image, and going on to social skills.
For now, I’ll just say that whenever I asked for anything, the usual response was a “no”, usually with no thought given to the actual request, because saying “no” kept them in control in just about any situation. So I grew up thinking that the universe would also say “no” to me, and I got in the habit of saying “no” to myself when I wanted anything, and that lasted a very long time. I’d deny myself things I wanted because I thought that I couldn’t have what I wanted, and that’s just how things were.
It was a personal triumph when someone asked me if maybe I wanted to go to Antarctica… and I said “YES” without hesitation! And I went, too. It was awesome.
#2
In some ways I’m glad I grew up in strict household. My dad was in the army and he brought those military sensibilities home. I was expected to pull my weight from a young age and I think that made me a more hardworking person than I might’ve been otherwise.
#3
I’m very good at solving problems on my own and dealing with (not making!) money as a result of my upbringing. I have no friends, social connections or social abilities, though, and am severely depressed and isolated.
Follow Us
