Dear Ray:

“The way he treated me is the reason why I’ve always been lacking in assertive skills, and I let people treat me however they want”- you need to learn basic assertive skills and never let people treat you however they want.

I understand why and how you “feel stagnated and sad”, living with your father. Clearly, you better leave your father’s home as soon as possible, as soon as you have a safe place to live elsewhere.

In the meantime, google some basic assertiveness skills and practice them on your father: voice what you need and want in a confident voice, looking him in the eye, your face relaxed, your eyes intent, your body in a relaxed yet strong posture. Practice.

anita