When dad says it's not a good idea

[grouse789]

Am i correct? He has alwYs been miserable and I feel I cannot share things with him because he is so negative about life.

I guess you missed that line from my original post. "Always" meaning as long as I have known this man.
The answer isn't in or about his current relationship. It's about why. Why is he so negative, why is it he can never have any positive or encouraging words with a caveat looming in the next breath?
That's the issue

[bawac34618]

Originally Posted by Pennies4Penny

My dad is the EXACT same way!!! I realized this last year, at 29 thankfully! I can not tell him a single thing without a long list of why it's a bad idea and every possible scenario of failure, (which, by the way are based on his experiences in the 70s) then if it doesn't work out or if there are bumps along the way, he likes to smugly tell me, "I told you so." So I have decided to stop telling him things, because I can't take the negative remarks anymore.

I am also pretty sure he thinks I am a complete idiot, because he never believes anything I say, then once he has it verified by someone he deems competent, he acts surprised that I was actually right. Ugh!!

This sounds exactly like my dad. I am also 29.

I am glad I found this thread. My entire life, I have longed for my father's approval but realize that the only time he is ever happy is when I am miserable. I need to start making my own decisions and not worrying about whether or not they will get my dad's stamp of approval. If they do, I usually won't be happy anyways.