Have Your Parents Had a Positive Influence on Your Life?

July 16, 2009

In a recent interview, actress Cameron Diaz discussed how her parents' 39-year-marriage contributed to her success. She explained:

"It's a bond that is so true, so pure, and so powerful, it is the most beautiful and inspiring thing that I have ever witnessed — the eternal love that my mom and dad shared. It was what has given me the strength and courage to live this extraordinary life and it is what powers the light that burns inside of me."

Cameron's comments about her parents are totally sweet! But since everyone's family is different, I'm curious: do you credit your life successes to your parents or have you had to overcome a complicated family situation?

Source: WireImage

26 Comments

sourcherry 3 years 43 weeks

Yes, my parents always encouraged me and showed me support even when they didn't quite understand or agree with my choices. I'm very grateful for that. Although, I can't say their relationship inspires me in any way, like Cameron and other posters have said. It's actually quite the opposite of what I want. Same goes for other aspects of their lives. Basically, I intend to lead my life in an entirely different way...

sourcherry 3 years 43 weeks

MissSophia 3 years 44 weeks

Yes and no. Neither parent was very encouraging - in fact nothing I ever did was really good enough, especially for my father. In a way, their constant dismissals of my efforts made me want to work harder to gain their approval and as a result have done very well at university and career. But in terms of my personal life, that constant belittling zapped my self-esteem for a very long time.

whatthew00t 3 years 44 weeks

I think generally my parents are the biggest positive influences in my life, despite all the typical teenage gripes and childhood angst I had with them. I learned a lot about love and relationships, especially what not to do and what to do with conflicts and fights. On the other hand, a lot of recent positive changes have been initiated by me because I realized, as I am continuing college, learning new things, meeting people, and going places, that the parental influences aren't always correct and condescending.

whatthew00t 3 years 44 weeks

cg130 3 years 44 weeks

My parents have been very loving and supportive, and always encouraged me to try new things and work hard; they also have been very healthy role models. However, at the same time, they've also provided me with the basis for all of my current neuroses, so...

Talldiva45 3 years 44 weeks

I have mixed feelings (Yes and No) - my Mother is my hero and inspiration, Always. My father - well let's just say he in his absence taught me what NOT to do.

RoaringSilence 3 years 44 weeks

My parents are my heroes in pretty much every aspect of life. I am inspired by the relationship they have with each other, and with their friends, and how they raised me and my sister.

Hiding55 3 years 44 weeks

I learned somethings from positive examples that my parents set for me and other things from their negative examples. I think I actually learned better things from their negative examples. I have a very strong work ethic because my father does not. I am always on time or early for things because going up and going places as a family we were always late. On the other hand, they always made sure that I knew I was worth something and taught me to stand up for myself and not take any crap which is something that I pride myself on. My dad also taught me how to make friends with people in the right places and to just generally be nice to people because one day you might be a jam and need help. The last part sounds a little sneaky when I write it down...eek!

Hiding55 3 years 44 weeks

margokhal 3 years 44 weeks

On my ENTIRE life? It's a mixed bag. Yes, my parents have always been supportive of me in what I wanted to do...that is, until I wanted to pursue a career that wasn't in medicine. I guess my dad (I lost a parent at the beginning of my teen years) was supportive, but didn't really understand what I was doing. Being able to start in better schools for primary education I have to thank them for definitely - I wouldn't be in the places and positions I have had today if not for those early boost. So, in my career life success, it's been mostly positive. No, my personal development has been hindered somewhat by them. I received pretty textbook instruction about having high self-esteem and positive body image and all that, but it was never really reinforced, so it just became a big negative in my life. Especially now that the only parent role model I have is male, it was a lot more difficult understanding female social interactions (I've never really had actual "girlfriends" to chat with on a regular basis). Today I'm hindered by that. Not that they didn't try or intentionally causes negative effects in my personal/emotional development - it's just circumstances.

margokhal 3 years 44 weeks

On my ENTIRE life? It's a mixed bag.Yes, my parents have always been supportive of me in what I wanted to do...that is, until I wanted to pursue a career that wasn't in medicine. I guess my dad (I lost a parent at the beginning of my teen years) was supportive, but didn't really understand what I was doing. Being able to start in better schools for primary education I have to thank them for definitely - I wouldn't be in the places and positions I have had today if not for those early boost. So, in my career life success, it's been mostly positive. No, my personal development has been hindered somewhat by them. I received pretty textbook instruction about having high self-esteem and positive body image and all that, but it was never really reinforced, so it just became a big negative in my life. Especially now that the only parent role model I have is male, it was a lot more difficult understanding female social interactions (I've never really had actual "girlfriends" to chat with on a regular basis). Today I'm hindered by that. Not that they didn't try or intentionally causes negative effects in my personal/emotional development - it's just circumstances.

GlowingMoon 3 years 44 weeks

I agree with Anonymous 8:40. There needs to be options where there's a middle ground. In my case, there is a middle ground. However, overall, I would say, yes, my parents did have a positive influence on my life. They gave me some important life lessons, and also, through their behavior, served as warnings, too. In both cases, I think I took away some good lessons, and made the best out of the situation.

GlowingMoon 3 years 44 weeks

I agree with Anonymous 8:40. There needs to be options where there's a middle ground.In my case, there is a middle ground. However, overall, I would say, yes, my parents did have a positive influence on my life. They gave me some important life lessons, and also, through their behavior, served as warnings, too. In both cases, I think I took away some good lessons, and made the best out of the situation.

3 years 44 weeks

I dislike how the voting options are always all or nothing now. There used to be a slew of answer options. Now there's no middle ground. The world isn't black and white, folks.

Gdeeaz 3 years 44 weeks

I am still very young and I still have a lot ahead of me but everything I have been successful in so far is because of my parents and my grandparents. I consider myself very lucky because not only do I have parents who are supportive and understanding but I also have my grandparents. My parents have taught me to work hard, and to never let people tell me what I can and can't do in life. My grandparents have taught me to always care about other people, and do whatever I can to help others.

Amanda-La 3 years 44 weeks

My parents were always supportive and loving. My dad would take us to museums and zoos and library's. He taught me how to play the guitar. They always told us we were so smart and that we could do whatever we wanted. They instilled good morals in us and never let us act like fools. They made sure that when we were wrong we knew about it and never let us treat others badly. I have a really great relationship with my parents. I'm proud of who I am because of the way they raised me.

kia 3 years 44 weeks

I suppose my parents have inspired me in a way that you learn not to rely on anyone except for yourself, you don't let others bring you down, and you have the luxury of making your own choices as an adult. I still talk to them and love them, but they were definitely negligent.

Symphonee 3 years 44 weeks

Loveme- thanks for spamming :IRK:My parents did okay but they were not the best at positive inspiration. I did not have too many positive pep talks growing up but they tried to support me in whatever I choose to do.

Symphonee 3 years 44 weeks

Loveme- thanks for spamming :IRK: My parents did okay but they were not the best at positive inspiration. I did not have too many positive pep talks growing up but they tried to support me in whatever I choose to do.

spacekatgal 3 years 44 weeks

My parents supported me financially to learn whatever I wanted. But when it came to accepting me for who I was and what I wanted to do with my life? They disowned me.

TidalWave 3 years 44 weeks

I'm with Chrstne. Through all of my parent's unsupportive behavior, lack of encouragement, and completely negativity, I learned what <i>not</i> to do and how <i>not</i> to behave and am very happy with my life. I also learned not to let other people's opinions and judgements affect my personal choices. Definitely made me a stronger person.

TidalWave 3 years 44 weeks

I'm with Chrstne. Through all of my parent's unsupportive behavior, lack of encouragement, and completely negativity, I learned what not to do and how not to behave and am very happy with my life. I also learned not to let other people's opinions and judgements affect my personal choices. Definitely made me a stronger person.

queenegg 3 years 44 weeks

No, my parents have never been there for me and have constantly chosed whoever they are (putting it nicely) married to or dating at the time before me. Granted, my Dad will try sometimes, but it's never very hard or for long periods of time. Anyway, I haven't learned from them and they haven't helped me. It's more me learning by trial and error for myself than anyone else.

hiptobesquare 3 years 44 weeks

My parents are super encouraging and love me and care about me, but I'm doing things they don't understand at all, so where they support me, they really can't help at all.

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26 Comments

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