Introduction
In the wild age of internet memes, terms like ‘mommy issues’ and ‘daddy issues’ are not new terms. However, many people are not aware that though these terms sound cringe-worthy, these issues stem from childhood behavioral patterns that are deeply rooted in human behavior well into adulthood. These issues have real-life consequences. Keep reading to know more about the psychology of men with mommy issues.
What are mommy issues?
A man acting as if he is seeking a substitute mother rather than an equal partner, or a man responding to unresolved issues with his mother rather than his partner, is someone who has mommy issues. Mommy issues are issues that grownups carry over to adulthood as a result of their relationship with their mothers. It is not uncommon for guys to have mommy issues when they are overly attached to their mothers. There’s a possibility that he might have mommy issues if he talks to her several times a day. Just think momma’s boy in the extreme.
Signs of Mommy issues:
Mommy issues manifest differently in different individuals. These are seen both in men and women.
- Become clingy
- Feelings of inadequacy
- Anxiety in relationships
- Absence of independence
- Intimacy is uncomfortable
- Having high demands or being critical
- A strained relationship with your mom
- A very high level of sensitivity to criticism
- The inability to show vulnerability or trust
- Relationship boundaries are underdeveloped
- Caretaking that goes beyond what is necessary
- Relationship commitment leads to “cold feet”
- Making decisions requires maternal guidance
- Tendency to date people who are like their mothers
- An inability to spend time with or discuss their mother
- Romantic partners are expected to contribute more than their fair share to household tasks or childcare
- There is a need for approval and affection or difficulties showing affection or rapid switching between them
Why do mommy issues occur?
General causes:
| Overbearing parents |
| An unloving parent |
| An absent or mostly absent parent |
| Neglectful treatment of the other parent by one parent |
| A parent who abuses their children emotionally or physically |
In research, mothers reacted differently towards their children based on how their mothers treated them. The results of several studies show that mothers who felt supported and accepted as children by their mothers were more likely to have a balanced relationship with them as adults. When compared with their peers, they exhibited a greater level of sensitivity to their child’s needs.
In a study by the same group, mothers who recall having been accepted by their mother later on in life formed strong bonds with their children and in other relationships.
On the other hand, mothers who experienced excessive protection and constant entanglements with their mothers grew up to avoid or be insecure around their children. Moms who were dismissive of their children or overly critical of them must also be held accountable.
What are the signs of mommy issues in daughters?
Unlike popular belief, mommy issues can be seen in women too. However, they manifest differently in women.
Mothers who are unkind or judgmental might raise their daughters with poor self-esteem. As an adult, you may experience a lot of shame and insecurity if your mother constantly pointed out your flaws or criticized your appearance growing up. As a result, unhealthy relationship patterns or mental health symptoms may occur, such as depression and anxiety. Likewise, a relationship that lacks boundaries between parent and child can cause problems.
Mommy issues in females:
- Not having enough female friends
- Difficulty in creating emotional bonds
- Resentment towards themselves
- Insecurities and trust Issues
- Being a tomboy
- Avoiding profound relationships
- Inability to express emotions
Overcoming mommy issues:
It can be difficult to unpack your mommy issues because they are deeply rooted and stem from ongoing behavior that happened in the past. There may be some memories you’ve buried or past trauma you’ve tried to ignore — ignoring these feelings is going to make it difficult to overcome the struggles you’re experiencing.
Some ways to overcome mommy issues are
- A network of emotional support
- 2. Self-aware of the past
- Psychotherapy
- A network of emotional support:
Women who were abused by their mothers and have broken the cycle are more likely to have supportive supporters in the future. Relationship with a partner and social support from their community was integral to the individual’s emotional and mental health.
- Self-aware of the past:
People who break the cycle of abuse are aware of their past. As well as anger, they also expressed awareness of the abuse they had been subjected to. Emphasizing these actions prevents people from repeating them in the future.
- Psychotherapy:
Individuals who have recovered from mommy issues have also undergone psychotherapy. They were able to identify abuse they experienced in the past, mourn it, and gain perspective on how and why it occurred.
In addition to assisting you in unpacking your emotions and healthily processing them, a mental health professional can teach you how to cope with them, allowing you to work towards healthier relationships. Being challenged by these things isn’t a reason to feel ashamed or to feel embarrassed about seeking therapy for it. It’s not your fault that you have mommy issues, and you can’t pick your birth mother or father. Lastly, remember that hard work can help you overcome issues and establish loving, fulfilling relationships.
Benefits of therapy:
- Find out what you needed from your relationship with your mother but didn’t receive
- If it feels right and appropriate to you, discuss issues with your mother, develop skills for healthy romantic relationships.
- Establish healthy boundaries
- Receive treatment for mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as codependency, people-pleasing tendencies, or toxic shame
Conclusion:
At United We Care, we offer you a wide range of solutions. In addition, you can approach a psychologist or life coach for support.
Don’t be afraid to break the cycle of trauma. Free yourselves from the clutches of emotional abuse and self-harm. Start your self-care journey now! Break the stigma around therapy and consult a therapist today!
