I don't think they fully realize what they are doing to us, at least consciously. I think that maybe one reason it is because somewhere deep inside, they know what they are doing is wrong, unfair, etc. But, they rewrite history and take all our flaws during the M and amplify them (does this amp have an "11" knob?).
They see us as a controller, parent...a reminder that there are things in real life that need attending to, that are not all fun and easy (like bills, debt, taxes, kids and so forth...you know... RESPONSIBILITY...that is what we represent to them) Like some teenagers, they resist that. The TV told them that life was all fun and all, or something...and they just will not accept that, yet....idk.
I have found for myself, thinking of them as a teenager helps (luckily we had just gone through that with our oldest in the last few years, so had some on-the-job training).
I feel for you, I miss my best friend, partner in conquering life's curve balls, etc as well.
In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. - Albert Camus
Uncertainty is the very condition which impels people to unfold their powers.-Eric Fromm
