Where is my comfort?
The story
Have you ever wonder what is like to be supported by parents? How they rather be concern about how you feel and not complain or disappointed by the results of the expectations? How they show comfort and understanding for the negativ expectation, and not talking discipline while disappointed over your hard work? Would you rather end the pain or suffer to meet their expectations?
How painful that is. Living in an asian household where parents itself been raised with strict discipline, and we were next victim to it. 20 years of my life, because of this prinsipp of parenting style, it's the reason why i am emotional unstable. No matter how much i really dont want to cry, criticsme i get from other, yelling about my wrongness and anxiety i get, it's the reason why i became.
I am a shy, introverted, social anxious and "keep everything to myself" kinda person. When i learn that i have failed my exam by the second time, i knew what will happend. I knew that they will be disappointed. I knew they will give me the criticsme. I knew they won't give me comfort. And yet.... i was hoping for it for some reason, that they will understand. That they will hug me, help me, comfort me. I hold the result to myself and try to mentally prepare for it. I overthink a lot when i'm anxious and in pain. It's like it slowly turn spiral and give me emotional pain constantly.
I really don't want to think about it, but i can't. When the time to tell my parents, i was in so much emotional pain. Constant scenario played in my head and anxiety grows more and more.
........... I told them ........... What was i hoping again? ............. They are asian, why would i think there would be hope?
I shouldn't expect anything from them. They were disappointed. They were critisme me. They discipline me. "Don't do this, don't do that. Do that and do this. Do better, think better, plan better". Constantly sighing. There were no feeling of comfort. Nor concern. Nor care. There were so much disappointed in their tone, their eyes, their behaviour. It was so painful. Did they ask how i felt? Did they say "It's ok"? Did they comfort by telling me how hard work i tried? Did they gave me hugs? Did they show understanding?...............................
Seriously what did i hope for again?!
Been emotional unstable means for me that i would get emotional, cry when they yell, discipline and misunderstand me angry. "Stay strong" they said. "Criticsme is nothing to cry for" they said. "Crying help nothing" they said. When something like failing exam is a huge disappointment for me and all my hard work for nothing, is painful to think. Why would i not cry? When its hurtful for my sister, why did she get comfort and not me? When she failed the first time, why is it ok for her and not me? Why wouldn't you discipline her?
I couldn't help feeling even more pain.
I really want to complain about their behaviours, but what can i do? Growing up, whenever i speak calm or screaming it's not me, or trying to clear the misunderstanding they have of me, or talking bout how i feel and try to have a conversation, they always turn it into me lying and me not understanding. "Fight back" they said. "Don't let them talk down on you" they said. "Talk back if they wrong you" they said. But when i do, why do they yell and call me lying? When i'm trying to clear their misunderstanding and everything, why are they yelling at me and pointing at me like i'm still in the wrong no matter what?
I learn that no matter what i say, they just turn it against me, pointed wrong in me, using their emotion and "we want the best for you" against me. I never win. What is he point of fighting my right when they just stubbornly point wrong in me?
They always wonder why i never tell them things. I wonder ........ what is the point? No wonder i'm shutting them out.
They mostly don't care about emotion, but results of the expectations.
For now, there is nothing in my heart except for pain. I know later the pain will grow more and more.
...............................................................
What i would say if i could?
"Why would you not comfort me? You know i work so hard and how the exam was so hard, why wouldn't try to comfort me? Why must you always discipline me? I knew you would discipline me, this is why i really don't want to tell you anything! You kept saying how you want the best for me or how you know me! NEWS FLASH! You don't know how i am! How my body is or how my mind is! You don't even know i have social anxiety or stress or other anxiety! You don't know my mental state! I want to know my mental state! Do i have adhd? Depression? Mental unstable? Anxiety? Hypersomnia? I litterly have to diagnose myself for this. You complain constantly i slept too much, i am slow, i cant do shit, how dumb i am. Have you ever consider my mental state is different than you? I sleep long cause my mental state need 10 hours sleep to keep my brain going. I do slow cuz my brain can't get all information all at once while i overthink spiral. I can't do right cuz you only see my wrong. I am not dumb, i am just average and my brain can't handle too much stuff to remember. And yet you never consider to understand me nor to ask about it!
Why won't you comfort me? Why won't you tell me everything is ok? you work hard? you did your best? you tried? Why must you give me pain...?"

Stories in the same category
Points of view
I totally get where you're coming from. Upholding expectations without understanding the emotional cost can be harsh. Parents often miss the real impact of their words. I've been there when my parents just didn’t seem to get it, despite all the effort I put in. Why do they overlook how much we try? It’s like they’re stuck in a loop. Do you think talking to them openly might change their perspective, or is that just not possible given their mindset? 💔
Man, I feel that!!! It's crazy how some parents just don't understand what it's like to be in our shoes today. They’re all about “tough love,” but where's the love part?? My folks used to be the same, always critiquing without checking in on how I really felt. It's like they think showing support makes us weak or something; which makes no sense, right?? My buddy went through something like this, and he swears by journaling to release all that pent-up frustration. Ever thought about trying something like that? It might not solve everything, but it could help you keep your sanity intact!
Damn, totally with you on this one! It's brutal how some parents go for discipline over support like it's some magic fix. I've been there too, feeling like nothing's ever good enough; my parents used “tough love” like it’s the only way to parent. But honestly, things changed when I set clear boundaries and focused on my own mental health. Just remember, you're stronger than you think, and it’s okay to seek out people who actually get it! Ever thought about connecting with others who have been through similar stuff?
I totally feel for you!!! It's frustrating when parents can't see the emotional toll their expectations take. Why do they think discipline solves everything?? Emotional support is so crucial, especially when you're dealing with stuff like anxiety and social pressure. I went through a similar phase when I was struggling academically and my parents just kept piling on more pressure. Eventually, I found that talking to a counselor really helped me cope. Have you ever considered reaching out for professional support? It sound like you could really benefit from having someone who listens and understands!!!! 👐
absolutely spot on! it's beyond frustrating when parents think that laying down the law will magically fix everything. like, we're supposed to be robots who don't feel anything? 😒; seriously, the emotional toll is real and invalidating it just adds more stress. i've seen a friend go through similar stuff and she found that talking about it with people who actually listen made a huge difference. ever considered joining a support group or finding a community where you can vent and get some real empathy? you deserve to be understood and supported!
i get where you're coming from, but maybe it's not all black and white. parents often act out of concern, even if it comes across as harsh. my parents were strict too, and at first, i thought they just didn’t care about my feelings. but over time, i saw they were trying to prepare me for the real world; not saying it's the best way, but maybe there's something to it. have you tried having a real heart-to-heart with them about how you feel? might help them see things from your side.
i feel you, honestly! it's just mind-boggling how some parents choose discipline over empathy and don't see the pressure it puts on us 😤!!! like, aren’t we supposed to learn from our mistakes in a supportive environment? the way they miss out on understanding the emotional effect of their words is exhausting; maybe it's a generational gap, but still, they could try a little harder, right??? i've seen people struggle because of this, and it feels like an uphill battle to get them to see our side. have you thought about writing your feelings down and sharing it with them? it could be a game changer in opening their eyes and starting a real convo. 🤔
wow, i feel the weight you're carrying, it's real heavy. it's a tough gig trying to balance their expectations with your mental health. you're not alone in wondering why support feels scarce when you need it most. the part where you compare your treatment to your sister's really struck a chord; why's it different rules for you?? it seems like there's more happening here—maybe they're projecting their own fears onto you without realizing it. have you ever tried explaining your mental health needs to them in a calm moment? it's a long shot, but might be worth it to help them understand where you're coming from. sending positive vibes your way 💙!
Dude, I can truly relate to what you're going through. It's a tough spot when parents are all about the discipline without an ounce of emotional support. Like seriously, we're humans, not emotionless robots, right? It sucks feeling like you're just not being seen for who you are and constantly judged based on some impossible standards. I remember when I was in a similar situation with exams and my folks were more about pointing out my flaws rather than helping me through it. It messes with your head big time.
I can relate to the struggle of feeling misunderstood and unsupported by parents who prioritize discipline over empathy. It's tough when you're craving comfort and understanding, yet all you receive is criticism and pressure to meet expectations. It seems like a never-ending battle trying to make them see your perspective, especially when they dismiss your feelings as insignificant. Have you ever considered seeking validation and support from external sources, like friends, mentors, or even online communities? Sometimes finding people who genuinely listen and empathize with your struggles can provide the comfort and understanding you yearn for. Remember, your feelings are valid, and it's essential to surround yourself with individuals who acknowledge and respect that. You deserve to be heard and supported unconditionally.