Ask Amy: FaceTime relationship leads to face time
Dear Hurting: I think the movies have trained all of us to seek closure, and to expect satisfying endings.
But life doesn't really work that way. Your father does not know how to apologize. I would venture a guess that he himself was wounded, damaged, and emotionally stunted.
It takes a brave person to confront their abuser. You could try to do this again and likely receive a similar, unsatisfying result.
Do not hope for closure. Work toward personal reconciliation. Acknowledge what happened to you. Choose to release yourself from the blame and shame. And, as you sit by your bad old dad's bedside, ask yourself if forgiveness is possible.
Forgiving him might liberate you.
Also, see a counselor. Working this out with professional guidance will change your life.
Dear Amy: When did name-calling get so popular? (Oh, someone leading our country made it so. Rocket Man, Sleepy Joe, Crooked Hillary, to name a few.
Please do not condone "Boomer."
It is sounding as bad as the aforementioned monikers. You should stop this condescending and mean trend.
-- Upset
Dear Upset: "Boomer" is the name of the generation to which I belong. It doesn't strike me as being particularly "mean." Nor can I make it go away.
========
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
