I saw a counselor a few times and he helped me unlock a lot of things in my past that effect me in the present. My father was in and out of my life since I was around 3, not that he was ever really "present" even when he was there but that's not the root of the problem for me.

Him being absent, I feel like my mother built this weird codependent relationship with me. She is an anxious and depressed mess and has been her entire life. I feel like I've been caretaking her my entire life and this has affected not just my relationship with other women but people in general.

For all the jokes about "mommy issues" it's a serious problem and it's really hard to break when you feel like you've been responsible for someone's well being since the times when they were the one supposed to be raising you.

Unfortunately I still live with them so I know for sure my first step is getting the fuck away from them and keeping a strong distance for a while. This is the step I am currently working on but for any other man who has dealt with this issue, what else has helped in your recovery? And how has ir affect your relationships with women?

Thank you