Reply #96: I would describe... [View All]

[CoffeeCat]

my "father" as totally lacking in love. Basically he was a psychopath. Totally
incapable of feeling normal human emotion. The consequences of that are a complete
lack of empathy for others. They can't feel anything inside, so they lack the ability
to understand that others have feelings.

I agree, it is perplexing why some people turn out dead inside and others survive.

I've asked my therapist the same question repeatedly. His theory is that it is
"resilience." I knew my family was batshit crazy when I was nine. I knew something
was terribly wrong and I fought against them and challenged their every move.

As you can imagine, I wasn't exactly the favorite child. ;)

I do agree that being in touch with your humanity and recognizing love and humanity
in others--may be a survival key. It is interesting. Many who grow up unloved or
abused become serial killers or abusers. I don't know why exactly I did not become
like them, but I know that I am grateful that I did not.