Healing
Just because my dad was in my life doesn’t mean he was present or showed me a lot of things. He was there financially but never physically
Healing from emotional absence often means confronting deep feelings of confusion and longing. When a father is there financially but not physically, it leaves many to wonder, "how was I supposed to know what love looked like?" This lack of a tangible example can make setting standards in relationships difficult. Without witnessing love in action—such as a man fighting for one's heart or genuinely lifting someone up—it's easy to mistake settling as a sign of love. Many people growing up in such environments carry the challenge of learning through heartbreak, piece by piece. They strive to be soft in a world that has hardened their experiences, often questioning how to trust and believe in love when it wasn’t taught or shown. Understanding that true love involves support, recognition, and protection helps in redefining one’s expectations. Recognizing one's own beauty and worth, not just as "his" but on their own terms, is a crucial step. It’s about knowing you have someone who stands by you when life doesn’t make sense. This healing process is painful but transformative, allowing individuals to rewrite their stories and build healthier relationships. Acknowledging past emotional voids and seeking compassionate connections can pave the way for genuine love to flourish. Always remember, learning what love looks like is possible, even if it starts with heartbreak and the courage to try again.
