Dear Anita:

I called my brother last night and he confirmed much of what I said here about our parents. Or mainly my mother. He called it “emotional neglect”. Which I am sure he got from a counselor. He said that our mother was unable to connect with us on a deep level. Guess she has gotten emotional with him sometimes and apologizes for not “being the mother she should have been”. Our mother had a very cold relationship with her father (my grandfather) and I remember she would often cry after my grandparents would leave from a visit. My brother did say that my parents have rarely visited my niece even though they only live 20 minutes away. Instead they send cards.

I am 100% certain you are correct about my childhood affecting my relationships. Especially my poor relationships with women. I just wish that I could fix or cope with these things so I do not spend the rest of my life alone or in relationships that are bound to fail thanks to me.

Joe