How can I get my weird father to change his OCD bad habits and argumentative behavior?

Question

He is very strong-willed most of the time, and has no real friends to speak of. One of his compulsions is to leave the house in the morning, and come back, as if he forgets something. He does this every single day. Unfortunately, as he continues to age, his OCD and weird behavior is becoming more pronounced and difficult to deal with, in my opinion. It isn't like he washes his hands or anything like that (he's actually quite a slob), but he is becoming harding to deal with as he is very argumentative and always has to prove that he's right or that he's in charge (of what, I don't know). He's been unbearable to go out to eat with, because he tries to argue with the servers, or he tells them before he even gets his food that "the last time he got a salad they didn't put enought lettuce on, and [he] doesn't want to get 'short changed'," which is a lie. He refuses all & any meds (because of the side effects) and he won't see a therapist (because he's stubborn and cheap).

Any advice?

Answer 1

If he refuses to take hid meds, there is nothing you can do.
OCD is a psychological disorder, and it sets the rules, not you.
All you can do is accept him as your father and love him, the rest is up to him.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, unless your dad is in therapy and taking effective medication, you can't change your fathers behavior. OCD is an extreme anxiety disorder, not a bad habit and it can't be fixed through tolerance or understanding. Only a specialist can make a dignosis of OCD as many symptoms of other disorders tend to mimic each other and/or overlap so there might be something else or something more going on. Even a medical condition can mimic certain disorders. At the ver least, I would try to convince him to see his physician just for a medical check up and take it from there.

Answer 3

you can't get anyone to do anything? the sooner you figure that out the better off you'll be. I understand - my father is most lets say antagonistic - how's that word. Sometimes it takes a major life disaster to get someone's attention. You can only focus on how you respond, not on them and what they do. You have to focus on yourself. You can certainly pray for them, but that's all you can do.

sounds a lot like my dad but then Mom died and he got better. Sometimes it takes something like that.

You can only pray - that's it, you can only try to respond in a kind and loving manner.

I think all this behaviour is this thing where he's testing you. Trying to aggravate you on purpose.

Don't fall for it. My dad does that kind of thing all the time.

Answer 4

You can't change his behavior - you can only change your response to it. By trying to control him and his behavior, you are exhibiting the same need for control. That will only result in conflict. Try to back off and figure out what things you can do that will make it easier for you. Sometimes the greatest stress comes from trying to control situations you can't. Once you realize that you are powerless to control it, you can learn to cope with it better.

Answer 5

Fact of life, you can't change anybody. Best thing you can do is be kind, but tell him the truth, that his behaviour hurts and embarrasses you. After that not much you can do.

Answer 6

tell to him "father now what are all you doing i will also do that this is promise and every thing i will"tell to him and see he will be changed

Answer 7

Try to use reverse psychology it works well sometimes ♥

Answer 8

Yeah stop complaining and look past that.... he's your dad, kid.

Answer 9

involuntary commitment for treatment