My dad refused to tell me what’s he apologizing for when apologizing, so his apologies were kinda insincere and a way to show that he can do shit behind my back and then just “apologize” and pretend it’s something good.

He was messing in things not his to deal with in the first place. Thinking he’s the smart one there. Naturally it generally wasn’t so, and then he never answered any questions I’d ask.

Now he’s also dead, so I can’t even ask him again.

OK. Back to the subject - parents should be honest and consistent, and also always understand that their kids are different people, and no part of them belongs to the parents. And that no, parents don’t know better. When the moment comes that a parent’s advice is consciously rejected, they should just take it. When they are not let into something, that means it’s not their concern, period.

You have to own that shit it’s the only way you can expect them to ever own it.

Within reason, I have to hold myself accountable to the same level I expect them to.

It’s all a big balancing act. Getting enough discipline in to make them responsible without using so much the lie to you and hide stuff.

I wasn’t raised that way, I want to do better by them.