Chantel Brink

Chantel Brink

April 27, 2024

15 ‘Habits’ of People Who Were Raised by ‘Emotionally Fragile’ Parents

Growing up with emotionally fragile parents can significantly shape one’s habits and behaviors. The environment in such households often revolves around managing the emotional needs and stability of the parents, which can impact the children’s development in various ways. Here, we delve into 15 common habits shown by individuals who were raised by emotionally fragile parents, shedding light on how these experiences influence their lives.

1. Hyper-awareness of Others’ Emotions

Hyper-awareness of Others' Emotions
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Children of emotionally fragile parents often develop a keen sensitivity to the emotional states of those around them. Constantly attuned to subtle cues and changes in mood, they become adept at expecting and navigating the needs and feelings of others.

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2. Fear of Conflict

Fear of Conflict
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Growing up in an emotionally volatile environment, these individuals often develop a deep-seated fear of conflict. They may go to great lengths to avoid conflicts, striving to maintain peace and harmony in their relationships, even at their own expense.

3. People-Pleasing Tendencies

People-Pleasing Tendencies
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To mitigate potential outbursts or emotional pain from their parents, children of emotionally fragile parents may adopt people-pleasing tendencies. They put the needs and desires of others over their own, seeking validation and approval as a means of maintaining stability.

4. Difficulty Expressing Needs

Difficulty Expressing Needs
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Expressing personal needs and boundaries can feel daunting for individuals raised by emotionally fragile parents. They may struggle to assert themselves or articulate their desires, fearing rejection or exacerbating their parents’ emotional instability.

5. Perfectionistic Traits

Perfectionistic Traits
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In an effort to maintain a semblance of control amidst chaos, some individuals develop perfectionistic tendencies. They set high standards for themselves, striving for flawlessness in various aspects of their lives as a coping mechanism for the unpredictability of their upbringing.

6. Overdeveloped Sense of Responsibility

Overdeveloped Sense of Responsibility
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Children of emotionally fragile parents often shoulder an excessive burden of responsibility from a young age. They may feel forced to act as caretakers or mediators within the family dynamic, assuming roles well beyond their years.

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7. Difficulty Trusting Others

Difficulty Trusting Others
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Growing up in an environment where emotional safety was uncertain can breed mistrust in relationships. Individuals may struggle to trust others fully, wary of being vulnerable or getting hurt, as they learned early on that emotional stability could be fleeting.

Read More: 7 Signs of Being Raised by a Highly Critical Parent

8. Avoidance of Vulnerability

Avoidance of Vulnerability
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Exposing vulnerability can feel like a shaky endeavor for those raised by emotionally fragile parents. They may develop a habit of guarding their emotions closely, hesitant to reveal their true feelings, or innermost struggles for fear of judgment or rejection.

9. Heightened Sensitivity to Criticism

Heightened Sensitivity to Criticism
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Given the emotional volatility within their upbringing, individuals may develop an elevated sensitivity to criticism. Even constructive feedback can evoke feelings of inadequacy or trigger defensive reactions arising from a deep-seated fear of rejection or abandonment.

10. Difficulty Coping with Change

Difficulty Coping with Change
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The instability of their childhood environment can instill a deep discomfort with change in individuals raised by emotionally fragile parents. They may struggle to adapt to new circumstances or transitions, clinging to familiarity as a source of security.

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11. Tendency Towards Self-Reliance

Tendency Towards Self-Reliance
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Independence becomes a coping mechanism for many who grew up in emotionally fragile households. They learn to rely on themselves for emotional support and validation, often hesitant to burden others with their own struggles or vulnerabilities.

12. Chronic Need for Approval

Chronic Need for Approval
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Seeking external validation becomes ingrained in the habits of those raised by emotionally fragile parents. They may continually seek approval and affirmation from others, craving reassurance as a means of validating their worth and identity.

13. Difficulty Setting Boundaries

Difficulty Setting Boundaries
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Establishing and maintaining boundaries can be challenging for individuals who grew up in environments where boundaries were often blurred or disregarded. They may struggle to assert their needs and enforce healthy limits in relationships, leading to feelings of resentment or exploitation.

14. Perseverance in Adversity

Perseverance in Adversity
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Despite the challenges they face, individuals raised by emotionally fragile parents often develop resilience and perseverance. They learn to navigate adversity with tenacity, drawing upon inner strength forged through years of tumultuous experiences.

15. Commitment to Healing and Growth

Commitment to Healing and Growth
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Recognizing the impact of their upbringing, many individuals actively engage in a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. They seek therapy, engage in self-care practices, and cultivate supportive relationships as they strive to break free from the patterns of their past and create a healthier, more fulfilling future.

In Conclusion

The habits and behaviors of individuals raised by emotionally fragile parents reflect the profound impact of their upbringing on their lives.
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The habits and behaviors of individuals raised by emotionally fragile parents reflect the profound impact of their upbringing on their lives. Despite their challenges, many embark on a journey of self-awareness and healing, striving to overcome the legacy of their past and cultivate resilience, authenticity, and emotional well-being. Through understanding and compassion, they navigate the complexities of their experiences, forging their own paths toward fulfillment and happiness.

Read More: Missing baby found alive more than 40 years after parents found killed in woods

Sources

  1. 15 ‘habits’ of people who grew up with an ’emotionally fragile’ parentUpWorthy. Tod Perry August 20,2019.
  2. 15 Habits You Probably Developed From Growing Up Feeling Unloved.” Bolde. Phoebe Mertens. February 1, 2024
  3. 15 ‘Habits’ of People Who Grew Up With an ‘Emotionally Fragile’ Parent’.” The Mighty. Juliette V. June 5, 2023.
  4. Effects of Fragile Parents on Their Children.” Dr Judy. January 28, 2020.