It's funny how I had said people stopped pushing me on the topic of reconnecting with my father. Just this afternoon my mom tried to convince me to "just ignore him, like I do" during his impending visit. There's an obligation to keep "blood relatives" within your circle, and an understanding that, no matter the offense, they are still "family" and should be treated with reverence. I call b.s. on that one. There is no obligation to "family"... Sometimes we need to put ourselves first no matter what society or family says. I think society confuses "family" with "loved ones". Loved ones would not do that kind of crap. I do not love my abuser, nor will I ever.

I hate having to keep fighting this expectation.