[AccioTheatre]

I've opened up to my mom, sister, boyfriend, and a couple others about what my ex-boyfriend of 5 years did to me. He was abusive physically, emotionally, and sexually for 4 out of the 5 years. I would really like to tell my dad and I feel ready to, but I don't really know HOW to go about it. Telling your dad about something like this is completely different than telling someone else. I'm terrified that he might somehow get angry or disappointed at me, be unsupportive, or take it lightly like everyone else does with the exception of my boyfriend because while it was going on he was only my best friend and he witnessed what I was going through and helped me get out of it so he knows the seriousness of the situation. Any tips of how I could get through this?

[Skeezyks]

Possibly just have your mom, or your sister sit in on the conversation as well?

I'm very sorry to hear about the abuse you suffered from this person. It's not fair you had to go through such a nightmare at the hands of another. I know from personal experience how hard it is to talk to your dad about these things. Are you working with a therapist? They might have suggestions. Maybe you could write it all in a letter....you could read the letter to your dad when you're ready (reading will give you something to focus on and make it easier perhaps?) or you could give it to him to read? Just a suggestions. Good luck no matter what you decide. (((Hugs)))

[AccioTheatre]

I thought about writing it in a letter or jotting down my thoughts and reading them to him. I can't really have my mom sit with me because both her and my dad are divorced and not really on good terms, and I officially cut my sister out a couple weeks ago because she was just treating me so god awful and she never really supported me in the first place. I was seeing a therapist on my old insurance, but they didn't do much good. I haven't been to my new doctor yet on my new insurance because, well, I don't really have the time with school anymore which has made things a lot worse for me. Thank you guys for the input!

[AccioTheatre]

Any other suggestions?

[MtnTime2896]

Originally Posted by AccioTheatre

Any other suggestions?

The reactions people have can often vary far from our assumptions.

The truth is, there's really no way I can tell you how to approach your dad. Jotting down some thoughts on paper and going over them helps, but you know your situation. You know your dad (he can still surprise you). The only way to go about this, is to just do it. You can't control his reaction. If you need your dad to know this side of you, if you need him to be there for you; then isn't it worth the risk? If you said yes to that question, then you're ready to tell him. If you said no, then give it some time.