Adult offspring with Social Anxiety

[NylaCAT]

I’m 26 I joined Military because I was bored and needed health insurance. I live at home with my dad but we never talk. I haven’t been able to look him in the face for my entire life. most days I hide in my room when he comes home from work so that I don’t have to engage in conversation.

When i was in basic training i wrote him two letters apologizing for my closed off behavior but we never talked about it. he never wrote back. I’ve been cleaning around the house to make myself feel more useful but I don’t pay any bills and he’s never talked to me about it either. Which causes me more anxiety because I don’t know if he loves me and wants me to live with him or if he thinks i’m the biggest loser on the planet.

i’m terrified of opening up to him and it’s been affecting my work life ie quitting every job I ever had. I don’t know how to face my fears and start a healthy open dialogue. I’m so afraid of his criticism and i’m not even sure why.

what should I do to feel more comfortable being myself in the place Ive called home most of my life?

[Weelon]

Hi NylaCAT, I understand where you’re coming from when it comes to jobs. Maybe he’s unsure how to approach this situation & cannot deal with it. Some parents have no idea. Test the water & try making small talk & see how that goes before you decide to open up. You’ve got a good job & passed your basic training, that’s a winner & you will continue to grow. If he’s not interested, do what you need to do for you.