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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Dad is over-protective even though I'm an adult (22)

82 replies

myswansong · 26/04/2021 20:43

My Dad is really over-protective and always has been. It's only since I've been back living at home after graduating that I've realised how much of an issue it is. I never realised how much of an issue it is.

Examples:

  • I recently bought my first car and as I hadn't driven since I was at sixth form I wanted to have some practice with him or my DM next to me. He completely knocked my confidence by flinching. I was driving safely, just getting used to the clutch on my car. Now my confidence is knocked and I'm too nervous to drive.
  • I was cooking dinner for my family whilst he was in the kitchen and he wouldn't let me get the casserole dish out of the oven in case I burnt myself or dropped it. It's ridiculous and makes me feel pathetic, but I realise it's more about his anxiety than me being incompetent. But still, it knocks my confidence and makes me feel like a child.
  • I can't remember the last time I ever left the house alone. It doesn't even cross my mind that I could go for a walk alone or walk (or drive!) myself to go the shops. He wouldn't outright say I couldn't but he would gently insist that he wants to come along too or getting my brother or sister or DM to come with me. But it's more that it doesn't even cross my mind that I could go out on my own. I never would have been allowed as a teenager but now I'm an adult I could do it but I don't even think to. I want to stress that he is not controlling me, I can do what I want but it's more the issue that I'm so used to being told how dangerous the world is and how untrustworthy strangers are that it doesn't even cross my mind to just go out alone. His anxiety has/is really affecting my worldview.

He is not over-protective with my brother at all, he's allowed to do what he likes despite being younger than me.

OP posts:
AgentJohnson · 27/04/2021 08:13

It’s time to prioritise leaving. This is who he is and always was and staying gives him more opportunities to erode your self worth.

His issues are his issues, your responsibility begins and ends in not giving him the power to make them yours.

Dery · 27/04/2021 08:24

What happens when you push back? It’s a drag but you need to keep reasserting your boundaries rather than just expecting him to change. If he can’t do that, you may need to expedite moving out if you can.

billy1966 · 27/04/2021 09:28

@DDIJ

You have a date in mind for leaving which is good. Save like mad and don't stay a day longer than you have to. The problem will only get worse.
This.

You need to start leaving the house on your own.

Don't mind his gentle insistence.
Insist on leaving the house on your own.

He is controlling you.
This is very damaging for you.

You need to tell him that he is driving you away with his behaviour.

I'm so sorry.

Please realise this is 100% his issue.

You are a very capable young women who will thrive living away from home.

Flowers
myswansong · 27/04/2021 09:47

@Cavagirl

FWIW what worked best for me was to take the mick out of my parents . Gently but humour is a good way to put a message accross

Fully agree with this.

My parents were similar to an extent.

Being really brutal though OP, how much are you acting like a child now you've gone home? Are you asking for permission or saying "right I'm off to the shops do you need anything?" laughing "yeah good one dad" when he suggests someone goes with you. Are you paying rent? It's very easy, I found, to sort of regress on return from uni. Make sure you're doing your bit to act like an adult, and laugh off the protective dad bits. You're still his little girl in his eyes and I'm afraid - as someone in their 30s - you probably always will be!!

The only thing I will say as that if there is more to his behaviour than over-anxious dad - ie if he doesn't back down at you going out alone - then you should probably expedite your plans to move out.

It's not so much that I'm acting like a child but rather that I just don't even consider that I could go out on my own. I need to go to John Lewis to return something and my first thought was whether my DM or sister wanted to go into town with me so I could do it, when really I can walk there myself or drive myself (although I still feel a little too nervous to drive alone).

I do pay rent, cook my own meals, etc so in that regard I haven't regressed.

OP posts:
myswansong · 27/04/2021 09:50

@Cavagirl

Actually re-reading: I can't remember the last time I ever left the house alone Do you not go out to see your mates? Appreciate it's covid times etc but if you're in the UK you can now, outside?
By coincidence I live near the big park we tend to go as well as near town so my friends will come to me first and we'll walk together. If I was going further my Dad would offer me a lift (he's retired so around most of the time). That's the main reason why I wanted a car as it's been ingrained in me that it's too dangerous to walk places as a lone woman/girl.
OP posts:
EarthSight · 27/04/2021 09:52

It's the last one that's the worst and his behaviour is giving you a bad example of what to expect in relationships. You are very much being infantalised and it can cripple someone. I know how this works - someone sounds very enthusiastic about you getting a promotion or doing some kind of positive life change but when they realise that you are serious they turn around and start saying things like 'Oh love, are you sure you can cope with that? Won't that be too much for you?'.

When you start spreading your wings and assert your independence, it is met with silences and subtle disapproval, enough to undermine your confidence, so you become less brave and your world becomes smaller. You are made to feel afraid of the outside world. You see the deal is this - either you submit yourself to their cage, or you are out on your own with little or no support. You won't be allowed to make mistakes. Even if you're super sensible and cautious as a person, if something bad happens to you or make a mistake, you'll be made to feel like a fool.

In his case the control could be a byproduct of his anxiety - that's how it often is with anxious people. Some manage it really well, but the way they comfort their own anxious feelings is first by controlling themselves (routine, things being done in a certain way each time) and then when that's not enough they control their external environment, and there's nothing more variable and anxiety inducing than people, with their own wills, desires, vulnerabilites and changing emotions. In that kind of environment they must know everything - they don't like you having too much privacy or secrets as that's anxiety inducing and you can't control something you don't know well and that has a mind of it's own.

Mind you, this could be mixed up with how he views women - how interesting and not surprising that your younger brother is allowed to do as he likes.

What is your mother doing in all of this? Is this not managing or is she also subjected to this?

AttilaTheMeerkat · 27/04/2021 09:53

Your dad has done you an awful lot of emotional harm by being this overprotective of you and I would consider therapy to start undoing all this harm.

Does he treat his wife like this too; what is their relationship like?.

DDIJ · 27/04/2021 09:56

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UnkindlyMay · 27/04/2021 10:00

I have a student son your age, currently at home because COVID.

If I start on the ‘Drive safely, have you planned for traffic, did you leave enough time to get your essay in?’, he leans on the wall, looks at me kindly but pityingly, and says ‘Finished parenting yet? Good. Bye!’

I’d do that.

Oh, and you probably drive better without a critical presence in the car.

myswansong · 27/04/2021 10:03

@AttilaTheMeerkat

I would leave home asap because if your mindset is this affected by him now you actually moving out at the end of the year is unlikely to happen. Staying just gives him more opportunity to control your every move.

He has already narrowed your world view and for now made you too scared to drive. He is using his own behaviour to control you and your life. He has not changed and will not change either. Clearly the medication he is on as well is not as effective now. This is about power and control; he is not being over protective out of love but control.

What's your mother doing whilst all this is going on; what are her roles here?. Is she also similarly controlled by her H?.

He does this because he can and this works for him. What if anything do you know about his own childhood because that often gives clues. That is still no excuse or justification for his actions and your brother is not controlled like this. He is sexist as well as controlling.

Controlling behaviour is abusive behaviour and abuse is about power and control.

If you want driving practice use a driving instructor; I would state that neither one of your parents here is up to the task.

He is less anxious about my DM going out, she can go out alone.

However, I have noticed that if ever me and my DM or my sister or brother and DM go out together my Dad will start some kind of argument to tarnish the day. He will either get grumpy that he is not included or grumpy because he feels that he is now forced to stay at home to walk our 2 dogs. Nearly every time we are out he will either be in a mood because of it or whilst we are out we will get a flurry of missed calls and he will get in a mood that we didn't hear our phones ring. We end up feeling anxious and/or guilty. It's subtle but it's a pretty clear pattern now that I've noticed it.

He had an awful childhood, really awful. Physical and emotional abuse and he witnessed domestic violence between my grandparents.

OP posts:
EarthSight · 27/04/2021 10:08

I need to go to John Lewis to return something and my first thought was whether my DM or sister wanted to go into town with me so I could do it, when really I can walk there myself or drive myself (although I still feel a little too nervous to drive alone

Some urban park and wooded areas are dangerous places for women alone. Depending on where you live it might be wise to avoid crossing certain car parks or crossing through certain alleyways - it's shit but advisable. However, your Dad is going over the top with this and you can't think of going to the shops on your own anymore without thinking of inviting someone along. For God's sake, it's John Lewis.

One day you will move out. What's he going to do then, eh? Insist that you text him once an hour, every hour? Put trackers on you? He's going to have to accept that living independently means living with risk to a certain extent, and he should be a source of comfort and support for you through that, not a source of constant disapproval.

Have you ever had a boyfriend? Has he known of any? At this rate he's going to want to handpick one for you.

EarthSight · 27/04/2021 10:11

@UnkindlyMay Also agree - your learning will probably come along faster without his presence in the car.

FlaviaAlbiaWantsLangClegBack · 27/04/2021 10:20

As someone with a father with an tendancy to overprotectiveness I heartily recommend moving out, dying your hair a colour he'd disapprove of and buying a motorbike. Or in your case, taking long drives involving motorways and city centres since you already have a car. Proceed to ignore attempts at emotional blackmail.

Looking back, I only regret the color of hair I chose Smile

BertramLacey · 27/04/2021 10:22

That's the main reason why I wanted a car as it's been ingrained in me that it's too dangerous to walk places as a lone woman/girl.

And then when you started driving, he made sure you didn't feel competent to do that. I had a long break from driving so I had refresher lessons when I started again. I'd do that if I were you. You can have lessons after you've passed. Find a good instructor and explain you have passed but have lost confidence. You'll be fine with the right help.

DDIJ · 27/04/2021 10:40

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greatauntfanny · 27/04/2021 10:48

@myswansong the guilt-tripping/day-ruining you've just described is controlling behaviour. So is making you feel incompetent and anxious.

OP, I mean this in the nicest way, but you need to take some responsibility for what is happening. Controlling behaviour can be insidious and it's not always obvious when it's happening, but you need to draw some lines. Go out. Don't ask. Don't stop because you feel nervous. Ignore him when he says don't take things out of the oven.

And move out as soon as you can.

crazylikechocolate · 27/04/2021 10:57

What are your qualifications? Do you work ? Work from home ? Can you get a live in job somewhere else even if only temporary just to get away

Your father is emotionally abusing you, it's sad that his childhood was bad but he's now projecting that into your life he needs help but is very unlikely to get any as in his head he's just a loving caring dad

The only person who can sort this out is you and the sooner the better or it will get worse

Colourmeclear · 27/04/2021 10:57

Moving out really is the best option. I'm still in therapy now trying to tell my adult self that I'm quite capable of the mowing the lawn despite being a girl and that it's really not as dangerous as my parents made out. I'm hoping I'll start driving again one day and that I might, god forbid, start found DIY.

Cavagirl · 27/04/2021 13:13

It's not so much that I'm acting like a child but rather that I just don't even consider that I could go out on my own. I need to go to John Lewis to return something and my first thought was whether my DM or sister wanted to go into town with me so I could do it, when really I can walk there myself or drive myself (although I still feel a little too nervous to drive alone)

Well you've considered it now, haven't you. So - go.
Pubs are open - why don't you try visiting one you've not been to before with a mate and drive there?
I agree it does sound like it would do you good to move out but in the meantime there's loads of small steps you can take to start living your own life while still under their roof.

Tomyoneandonly · 27/04/2021 13:43

Op I do here your frustration. I also think it's so sweet how you describe your dad. My dad didn't care and I ended up in abusive relationships one after the other. I know your dad may be controlling and you don't feel like it's easy to go out but you can. You can take yourself for a walk or a drive until your confidence comes back. Your dad is showing care and love in a old fashiond way his intentions are good and pure to you. I've read outher posts. I do not agree that you should move out or he is even doing anything wrong. I would have loved to have a dad that cares like yours you are lucky. My ds moved out and came back home 6months after he felt that things was different. You need to bite the bullet and take yourself for a drive or go for a walk. All the best op

MoonCatcher · 27/04/2021 13:47

Re driving, book a couple of refresher lessons with an instructor.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 27/04/2021 14:01

"Your dad is showing care and love in a old fashiond way his intentions are good and pure to you".

Really?.

No he is not. What he is showing OP is damaging behaviour dressed up as concern and love. The only person your dad cares about is his own self; he has all you women walking on eggshells around him. He does this because he can and it works for him. I am not at all surprised that his own childhood was abusive; this is all he really knows even now and now you people as his family suffer as a result. Such behaviour too does not solely have to be verbal; a disapproving look can bring you right down as well.

BertramLacey · 27/04/2021 14:07

I know your dad may be controlling
Well yes, clearly he is.

and you don't feel like it's easy to go out but you can.
The point, as even you acknowledge, is that she doesn't feel as if she can, because of his actions.

You can take yourself for a walk or a drive until your confidence comes back. Your dad is showing care and love in a old fashiond way his intentions are good and pure to you.

If by good and pure you mean sexist, misogynistic claptrap then yes. It's certainly old-fashioned but that really isn't good. In 2021, women can drive, and can take casserole dishes out of the oven without the world imploding. They can also get to John Lewis and back all on their own. They're not running the gauntlet of the barbarian hordes and don't require male escort.

Tomyoneandonly · 27/04/2021 14:36

Op do not allow anyone to criticise your dad. People on here are so harsh.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 27/04/2021 14:50

People are being so called "harsh" on OPs dad simply because he is an over protective father. He continues to actively damage OPs confidence and will further make her afraid of her own shadow.