Feelings for parents

[Greg]

After the reception that I brought up in my previous post, I felt an overwhelming presence of love. My love for my family and friends goes beyond measure. Except, that is, for my parents. I do not feel anything for them, neither hate nor love. I don't know why, they raised my brother and I in a caring home. I know that being emotionally distant from family members is a classic symptom of autism, so I guess that is one reason. I also feel that my parents do not fully accept the fact that I have grown up, I feel like I am constantly under their thumb, though I live by myself. I do beleive that somewhere deep down inside of me that I do love them, I just do not feel it. I used to feel the same way about my brother, but now that he has been living in another state for a few years, I feel love for him. I think that if I were not to see my parents for a while, maybe the same thing would happen with them. Do any of you struggle with this issue with any members of your family? Greg.

[puzzleman]

Everyone feels that way about their family once in a while. Sometimes you can't measure love in feelings. That's when you look at your actions. Sometimes what you do for your family means more to them than how you feel about them. I am not autistic, my son is, and he is better qualified to answer your question, but he can't talk. Its what we do for each other that makes a difference. :tup:

[Greg]

My actions do convey love. But it is really hard for me to know if I love them or not. I did something that the neighbors complained about (something in which I did not have any wrong intent), and they came up with an insult that had nothing to do with the situation. Every time I hear about that stuff in the news, I think, "And mom and dad think I an capable of such acts!". Sure makes it even tougher to feel love when that happens. Greg.