You know what really grinds my gears?!

[Steve85]

I'll just come out and say it. I haven't talked to my dad in over a year because I made a concerted effort to cut people who made me feel like shit out of my life. I asked him to interact with me, my kid, and others differently, but he said he wasn't going to change.

Yeah, we raced together for 10+ years, but everything I did in life was always wrong and he was usually an ass about it. Sound like anyone you know? I've gotten a lot better (still love to troll here), but I've got a ways to go in eliminating the behavior I was taught.

FWIW, the last year has been liberating.

This is always hard. It's one thing to say "adios" to "friends" who are assholes. It's something else to realize the people who raised you are so flawed that your interactions with them simply aren't healthy. Tough man, sorry to hear you were even in a position where that thought crossed your mind.

I will +2 that. I can't imagine how hard that is. 

Also a good reminder for parents to be aware of how they are reacting to their kids, in obvious and subtle ways. I've certainly had to adjust over time.