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When people think about how their parents may have affected their romantic relationships as adults, they usually think of how their parent’s romantic relationship was. Were they divorced? Were they together, but unhappy? Were they super loving (perhaps so much so that they ignored their kids?) If your parents truly had a happy, healthy marriage then you might think they don’t play a big role in how you conduct your own relationships. But it’s not just the romantic relationship between your parents that could affect you; how your parents raised, disciplined and—well—parented you could affect your relationships, too. Many of us don’t realize that, after our parents, our romantic partner is the next big role model and guide in our lives. While your partner is, of course, your equal and not an authority figure, you still care about what he thinks and try to make him happy (not unlike your parents). Here is how your parent’s parenting style affects your romantic relationships.
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Perfectionist parents
Did you grow up in a household where your parents only saw the minus sign in an A- grade? If you cleaned your room for hours, would they pick out the photo hanging on the wall that was slightly uneven? They probably did this for (what they believed to be) your own good. They wanted to give you an edge in a competitive world. They want you always to be the best so you can succeed.
