Fatherless daughter's story ...

Women who grew up with absent dads find it is difficult to form lasting relationships. Because they were scared by their dad's rejection of them, they don't want to risk getting hurt again. Consciously or unconsciously, they avoid getting close to people. They may form superficial relationships in which they reveal little of themselves and put very little effort into getting to know others. They may become promiscuous as a way of getting male attention without becoming too emotionally involved.

Ever since childhood, I've built walls around myself. I didn't open up to people. I didn't ask questions about their families, jobs, or hobbies. I kept my life private, and I remained socially isolated. These were all self-protective measures so I wouldn't experience rejection like I did with my dad. Knowing this intellectually did nothing to help me change my behavior because my fear of rejection was more powerful than my desire to make connections.

Without a doubt, girls like me always looking for the love and validation we never got from our dad. I was looking for an alternative to a man who never said "I love you" or "you're pretty" and never gave the unconditional acceptance that craves from parent.

No matter how my past was the only thing that i believe currently is daughter whose father abandoned her can grow, thrive, learn, excel, succeed, love and be loved, and live a wonderful life when she realizes that the problem isn't her, it's him.