Hi Anita,

You know I didn’t realize that they weren’t accepting of those emotions. But it makes sense that that is what is going on here. I find that I try to ensure I don’t upset my parents because their approval is so important to me. Even today I had a conversation with my Dad about figuring out how to monetize one of my passions. I explained that money is not my sole motivator and it’s not that important to me. And that living comfortably with less material stuff would make me most happy. He argued this was wrong to think this way because then I’ll never make any money. Money he says is freedom. And work doesn’t need to make you happy. You can make money and then be happy doing something on the side. I told him I’m entitled to say whatever I want if that’s what I feel. If I don’t need to have millions of dollars to be happy that’s how I feel. He said well who wouldn’t want a million dollars you cant say you don’t want millions of dollars. I cant remember how I ended the conversation but I felt pretty bad about myself. But then I decided that some of his points like thinking about the amount of money needed to live your life were valid. I know he means well. He wants the best for me. But I guess this is another case of dismissal of my feelings.

I do feel lately I’m a bit detached from feelings. I don’t feel any intense emotions recently. It’s sort of a numb feeling. So I think you are again correct with your assessment.