The parent of the opposite sex, how was your relationship?

Question

Did they fulfill a traditional gender role? how does that relationship color your choice for partner(s).

Answer 1

My dad and I have always been very close, he's not only been my guide and teacher, but also one of my best friends.
He's always had an open mind and ear, encouraged me to follow my instincts and allow myself to change naturally, didn't hide things from me nor treated me as if I had been a clueless child, but rather, we had smart conversations, during my youth and to this day.
I think that he was/is a wonderful example to me, of a man who is strong-minded, individualistic, assertive, passionate, emotional, silly, smart and kind.
Our relationship has in some ways influenced what I look for in a romantic relationship, not so much in the partner, I don't need to be with someone exactly like him (though, it would be a nice, rare casualty), but instead, the kind of open-minded, communicative, funny and loveable relationship that we share.

Answer 2

I wouldn't say my father fits a traditional gender role. Although my mom did a fair amount of cooking, cleaning, so did my father. My mom also has always helped my dad with stuff outdoors-they do gardening and yard work together.

My fiance is actually the cook in the family more so than I am. He enjoys cooking. I like to bake, however. Since he is a bit of a foodie, we complement each other. I also enjoy yard work where he does not. I also tend to do more of the cleaning...only because I pay attention to detail more in cleaning than he does. Hopefully, we will soon hire a cleaning person.

I don't believe in assigning gender roles to people. I think each couple has to find what works for them. I am blessed to have a partner who loves to cook. I am impatient and when he is gone, tend to eat popcorn or cereal for dinner.

Answer 3

My dad and I were very close once I became an adult. He was an Italian male raised in the old school that was trying to catch up with the times! I am like him in many ways, both good and bad. Some of his characteristics made me crazy and I swore I would never marry someone like him- so I chose his exact opposite! My husband was a lot like my mom, go figure!

Answer 4

My dad was the breadwinner when I was younger, out of work for a couple of periods, and now he's the secondary earner. He likes it that my mom works, but he also wishes that he could have a steadier job (she's a permanent teacher, he's on term). He's very heavily involved in work, and I take after him. So I'm usually attracted to guys who are ambitious and career-minded.

Answer 5

I have a better relationship with the opposite sex parent than the same sex parent. It is all a matter of your enviornment as you grow up and who you can better relate to- has nothing to do with sexuality and the like.

Answer 6

My father was emotionally distant.
My sons are too close to me at times. In fact their wives look like me. I have quietly pointed this out to them but they claim that they don't see it.....Sigh....I think it is kind of strange myself. My husband is opposite to my father in every way. Looks, personality etc....

Answer 7

My so-called mother-in-law (i am not married but she fits the stereotype 100%) was visiting this weekend. I am just gonna say this... I took her to the airport today. She's leaving tomorrow.

Answer 8

My relationship with my dad wasn't that much different than my relationship with my mom. My mom was a little more involved with my than my dad was.. I did get into many more fights with my mom than my dad, but when I did fight with my dad they were MUCH MUCH worse.

Overall my relationship with both parents was poor.. But a little worse with my dad.

Answer 9

Not too bad. My mom, on the other hand, was a crack-smoking slut who threw me out of the house for working at a topless sushi bar.

Answer 10

Strong independent woman. We butted heads for awhile, but things are good now.

And when I date, I prefer strong independent women.

But I'm sure that has nothing to do with it...