March 6, 2006
Fatal Attraction
I can relate to a letter I saw in your column. I am not 33 and successful like the letter writer, but a sassy Goth-type girl, 16, who makes really good grades. My problem is, I believe, I have a fatal attraction for bad boys and I sympathy love. When I say "sympathy love," I mean I like a guy just because he's nice to me on first impression.
That's what happened with my first relationship. I liked this guy, who was kind of a bad boy, so I talked to him. He pushed me away. His friend came up and soothed me while I was crying. We talked for a few days and soon went out. Then he started being mean, saying bad stuff about my friends and family, and lying. The last straw was when he made it appear he was cheating on me with a girl he had a crush on.
I admit I have a family problem in that my dad used to drink and verbally abuse my mom. He's better now, though, and things are much different. The pain's still there. Right now I have a crush on a guy who's not the best in the world; he's a druggie and kind of violent. He's really nice if you look deep down, and problems can be fixed.
Am I looking for the wrong guys? Or is it just me? As a last note, I am a goofball type person. I fear people don't take me seriously. I act silly all the time and still watch cartoons. Is that possible?
Madison
Madison, you're right to say problems can be fixed, but wrong about whose problems. Your own problems can be fixed with effort and determination, but you lack the power to fix someone else's problems. It's a little like voting. You get to vote, but you don't get to vote for someone else. One man, one vote. That's the rule.
You're not looking for a bad boy, you're looking for dad. Your dad showed you what a husband is, except he was a bad one. Your mom showed you what a wife is, except she was an abused one. Families can be as destructive as they are supportive. Things may be different now, but the damage has been done.
That is what dressing like a Goth suggests: black moods, a negative outlook on life, and placing yourself as an outcast. On the positive side, though, it gives you a circle to fit in. You are a member of your own club with your own uniform.
The first step in breaking your parents' pattern is to acknowledge you are seeking addicts and abusive men like your dad. Personal counseling or a practice like the relaxation response, popularized by Herbert Benson, can counteract the tendencies your parents developed in you and teach you to thwart abuse.
Wayne & Tamara
Free Will
I am very much in love with this girl. I knew I found the right person the moment we were introduced. I thought it was going to be easy for me to get her, but it has been hell. Her picture will not leave my mind. I made her know I will do anything under the sun to make her happy.
I dated another girl to delete the first girl from my memory, but it did not work. I had friends talk to her, but her answer was still the same. What do I do? If she will be mine, I will be faithful and love her all my life.
Jacob
Jacob, the only answer you will accept is yes. No matter what you think you could do for her in the future, it counts for nothing because you won't listen to her now. Your life will become easier when you realize your will does not get to usurp the will of others.
Wayne & Tamara
Authors and columnists Wayne and Tamara Mitchell can be reached at www.WayneAndTamara.com.
Send letters to: Direct Answers, PO Box 964, Springfield, MO 65801 or email: DirectAnswers@WayneAndTamara.com.
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Posted on Feb 27, 2006 by Site Admin
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