I was psychologically abused, physically abused to a lesser extent, and emotionally neglected, which made me an easy victim for sexual abuse as a child. My unhealthy relationships were somewhat abusive, but I was no angel, either. There was a period where my son was out of control and a danger to himself and others in the household, and I went overboard trying to restrain and discipline him. It was all I knew.
When I decided I wanted to end the legacy of dysfunction and abuse, I had to unlearn those bad relationship skills, and teach myself and my son healthier ways of coping from scratch. We’re far from perfect, but we’re much healthier and happier, and very close.