Why don’t estranged parents just apologize?

[mimzy]

One common answer why parents can't apologize is that they are convinced that you are a liar. And of course, you are their child and they are right, and you are wrong just like when you were 5 years old, so they are just punishing you until you do as you're told like you should, since that is their right as your parent. If they could spank you or thrash you with a belt to get you to behave again, they would do it; but they've figured out if they do it they'll likely go to jail.

Never ever forgot, they are right, you are wrong.. no matter what.

What a God shot. I so needed to read this topic and this reply in particular. So thankful for this group of support. Thank you!

[Mintstripes]

The first thing that came to me when I saw this question was: "because they don't think they're wrong".

In their minds, they are the victims and you are terrible and ungrateful. They are not self-aware and will never take accountability for any of the things they've said or done.