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TOXIC FATHER

My dad always puts me down and calls me ugly – should I cut him off?

DEAR DEIDRE: IT’S unreal how toxic my parents are.

I have already cut my mum out of my life but now I’m wondering whether to do the same with my dad.

My dad always puts me down and calls me ugly - should I cut him off?
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My dad always puts me down and calls me ugly - should I cut him off?

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I’m a 48-year-old man. My dad has always put me down, saying I’m ugly and scruffy.

I have no self-confidence and suffer with anxiety and depression.

We had a row recently. He was trying to manipulate me and being such a hypocrite that I told him to leave. I haven’t spoken to him since.

My mum behaves in the same way. I don’t remember them ever being together.

I have blocked out a lot of bad memories from my childhood.

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I’m heartbroken to be left with no parents.

I show unconditional love to my two children and treat them completely differently.

DEIDRE SAYS: When parents are toxic, cutting ties might be the best option, as hard as it is.

You did the right thing for you and your family.

You are heartbroken because you’re grieving for the parents you wished they could have been.

MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE

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