This subject hits home closely.. I have grown up with the "tough love" system and I think it wasn't by choice but rather my families financial situations.. And a bit of the "ripple effect in generations" despite whether your male or female I think a bit of both "tough love and being babied" should be present...my parents grew up in a financial struggle and also I'd like to say -emotional struggle-, then passing it down to the next generation.. My brother and sister where born and then me, and we too have/are experiencing the financial situations.. To such an extent that its deadened emotions. I thought growing up with tough love(no emotions; get over it; no communication) would benefit me in life, as we hear that this life is harsh on us and we will have to be able to face it! And I can say yes this "cold hearted approach" has benefited me in life... :I don't take shit from anyone; I don't stand down to anything/anyone(which is sometimes not so good); if I want something I will work for it; I don't get disappointed in people or life as I have no expectations. But I now find myself at -the age of 20- the age that I should be finding my own feet. And "entering the world" (for the second time. I should call this the rebirth) that instead of being toughened up by now ready to face anything that comes my way...I find myself falling apart looking for guidance looking to someone to run to .. All the things I should have done when I was younger -that's being babied- but only now are these key things catching up to me.. And at a stage where I should be ready to start my own life I feel rather lost and that strong "back bone" I once thought I had now shows clear that it was merely just a exterior, that is now coming crashing down. I now long to be babied and I now wish that I wasn't brought up with the method of "tough love". I'm guessing a bit of both would be good! One thing I have learnt at this young age(yes you don't have to be old to teach life lessons) is a emotional connection between siblings and parental figures is a key thing in growing up and it will equip you later in life... "Tough love" is not love! #JustMyThoughtsAndExperiences.
