The desire to please their fathers may lead them to become doormats, trying to please everyone. Children who resent their fathers' behavior often mimic that behavior. Abused or neglected children may abuse or neglect their own children or others close to them. When a father deserts or neglects his family, children may take on inappropriate roles as caretakers, scapegoats, or surrogate fathers. Sometimes children in such circumstances grow so close to their mothers that they never have a chance to become stable, separate adults.
Fathers generally are the male template from which marriages, especially early ones, are chosen.
People who had difficult relationships with their fathers often have trouble entering into a lasting relationship with God. You can forgive without immediately trusting the person who wronged you, or making yourself vulnerable to new wrongs. Allow yourself to express your anger to your father. Confide in others, such as a trusted friend or counselor, to help you work through your healing. That kind of bitterness can destroy relationships with people who mean you only good.