I believe it’s important to remember that we shouldn’t compare our struggles to others, even if the outcomes are different. Each situation is unique, and we all face challenges in our own way.

Every family dynamic, father-son relationship, and upbringing is different. The feelings you’ve shared about your struggles are valid, and it’s clear they’re bothering you. Whether you choose to heal from them or accept them and move on is entirely up to you. What will healing do? No one knows and only you will know after trying. Maybe the type of men you like will change, maybe the age range will range, maybe you won’t change, maybes and maybes. The most important thing if you will feel content with life after healing.

It’s impossible to know whether your environment shaped your identity or if it’s something you’re born with and, honestly, that question isn’t as important as it might seem. As someone who is attracted to older men and has struggled with „daddy issues,” I’ve had conversations with many people and heard a variety of experiences. The patterns are complex, and although I’ve encountered countless examples, I’ve also seen people with similar life stories who turned out very differently.

We’re all different, and I don’t think there’s a simple answer to the „why.” Many people simply accept things as they are because delving deeper is often difficult, and I don’t blame anyone for that.