[Michelle]

I have had a strained relationship with my parents ever since I was a young girl. In the last few years, we have had virtually no contact. Basically, my childhood was an unhappy time.

A few days ago I wrote briefly concerning my father and growing up Catholic on my blog. Needless to say, my father read it and wrote me an angry email last night. He feels my childhood was full of love, joy and support. He blamed me for never wanting to follow the rules, and for going my own way. He claimed I was a child who was disobedient and used both him and my mother to get what I want.

Now, while not everything in my childhood was bad or painful, I was most certainly a generally lonely and unhappy child beginning from around the age of 6 (the time of my parents' divorce). My truth concerning that time of my life has nothing to do with joy.

Anyway, it is not my wish to cause anyone pain - including the people who may have caused me pain. Yet I wish to feel free in speaking my truth simply because anything else would be denial or a lie. And I feel my having come so far out of those experiences as I have could be of benefit to others ...

Has anyone been through this or have any thoughts? How can I remain true to myself without causing unnecessary pain to those who may simply not be able to face the truth?