Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How do I tell my toxic father that he's awful without actually TELLING him and without moving out?

4 Answers
Last Updated: 05/24/2022 at 9:28am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Lauren Abasheva, LMHC

Licensed Professional Counselor

A sex positive, and kink knowledgeable therapist with an open mindset and a clear understanding that we are all different.

Top Rated Answers
warmDew71
August 12th, 2019 5:50pm
Oooff this is hard. I am dealing with this myself. My best advice is to use as much resource and motivation and strength you have to move out. But if you're not able to do that because of reasons, then my best advice is to limit your interaction with him to just finance. If he acts up, just say what exactly he's doing and why it's problematic in one blunt statement and excuse yourself. Just be busy honey, it takes your mind off things and it keeps you out of the house longer. I wish we'll be free soon. Hang in there, we can do this
RichardRedacted
March 30th, 2020 12:30pm
This is a bit of a tough one. I can't know all the ins and outs of you and your father's relationship, so if any of the assumptions I make are totally off base I apologize. It is important to remember, even though you see your father as toxic he is still a human, with feelings and thoughts just like you. Usually a person that lashes out a lot or is angry all the time is actually in quite a bit of pain on the inside and doesn't know how to healthily deal with it. My recommendation, sit and talk with your father. Explain how you are feeling as well as asking him how he is feeling. Try not to interrupt each other and just let each other speak until you are done. Try to remain compassionate and really try to understand his view as much as your own. And if at anytime during the conversation you find yourself getting too angry or upset just try to calmly exit the conversation and maybe come back to it later when you are feeling more centered. Talks like this can be really tough but you'll be happy you did it in the end. Anyways, I hope this helps you.
Anonymous
May 5th, 2020 6:31am
You could always use poetry or try to consider what his "love language" is.. if he even has one, each one does. You could write him a letter explaining how you feel and list examples of actions hes taken against you that you feel are toxic. You can try to express love to him by, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, maybe share a hug, tell him that you appreciate him or pray for him and ask God to show you how you should approach this situation. Prayer always works when you have faith and just believe. The right answer will come. Kindness always is better
HelenaxForever
May 24th, 2022 9:28am
Maybe be asking him questions only he can asnwer and then confront him with his own answers, it is hard to give an example, but many times instead of pointing finegrs or telling someone how they are, which they can see as an attack on them and switch into deny everything. Asking questions can be much more effective. This give him the chace of selfreflection without hurting him or to provoke your father. This however not work with every person and with every situation. But just a lesser agressive way to comunicate and still let them understand how you feel