Title: Conditional Love from Parents Can Have Long-Lasting Effects on Children
Subtitle: A closer look at the signs of betrayal and the potential impact on adulthood
Date: [Insert Date]
By: Ossiana Tepfenhart
In a thought-provoking article, writer Ossiana Tepfenhart delves into the often-unseen consequences of growing up with parents who only showed love when their children met their expectations. Tepfenhart highlights the variety of subtle behaviors that individuals may display as a result of this conditional love. However, the author emphasizes that despite the challenges faced, individuals can still lead fulfilling lives.
The article seeks to shed light on the signs that parents may have betrayed their children, offering insight into identifying these nuances. Tepfenhart opens by acknowledging that these signs may not be readily apparent to those who experienced conditional love, but they can nonetheless leave a lasting impact.
One key sign, the article suggests, is a fear of voicing opinions or disagreeing with others. Growing up, individuals who received conditional love were often punished with neglect or abuse for asserting their own thoughts and feelings. As a result, they learned to conform and avoid confrontation to prevent upsetting others.
The second sign highlighted in the article is the possibility of becoming a “love addict”. Those raised with conditional love may develop an addiction to external validation and acceptance, as their upbringing did not provide them with consistent love and affection. These individuals may struggle to say no and become susceptible to toxic relationships, even resorting to cheating.
Furthermore, the article points out that friends may often point out tendencies to either overachieve or experience burnout. Conditional love often leads to a need for perfectionism, where individuals believe their worth is linked to their accomplishments. Consequently, they may push themselves to burnout or struggle with anxiety and insecurity.
The article also touches upon Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) as a potential consequence of conditional love. This disorder arises when individuals lack a sense of security in their relationships, leading to unstable behaviors and a fear of abandonment. Recognizing these traits is the first step towards healing and developing healthier relationships.
Lastly, the article highlights the selflessness and empathy individuals who grew up with conditional love tend to display. Having experienced feeling alone and rejected by their caregivers, these individuals often go above and beyond to show empathy and kindness to others. They strive to create a supportive and loving environment that they themselves did not receive.
In conclusion, Tepfenhart’s thought-provoking article sheds light on the consequences of conditional love from parents and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues. By identifying the signs, individuals can begin the journey of healing and create healthier and more fulfilling relationships in the future.
About the Author:
Ossiana Tepfenhart is a writer whose work has been featured in Yahoo, BRIDES, Your Daily Dish, Newtheory Magazine, and others.
This article was originally published at Medium. Reprinted with permission from the author.