Breaking Free from Family Expectations

Growing up, my dad made it very clear that once I turned 18, he expected me to

move out and live my own life so he wouldn’t be tied down. For years,

he talked about traveling the world, not seeing me much, and even ignoring calls because he

wanted his freedom. Hearing this constantly made me feel like he resented having to raise me alone,

and I spent most of my teen years preparing to leave and accept that our relationship

would be distant. Now he’s getting remarried. His fiancée has three young kids,

and they want a “family unity ceremony” focused on becoming one family. The kids are excited

and have been told I’ll be their big brother. I don’t feel that way.