Anonymous asked this question on 5/12/2000:

I'm a 29 year old man who has recently discovered that many, if not all, of my emotional and mental difficulties are most likely the result of having been spanked as a child. Legally speaking, I was not abused. My parents were very loving and were simply doing what they believed was right. My question is; Do I have the right, even though I was not severely abused by society's standards, to feel violated? Extensive searches of the web have turned up very little information or support for people in my particular situation, which leads me to think that perhaps I should just "get over it" and try to ignore it, as I've done my whole life until now.

lali2002 gave this response on 5/12/2000:

Hey, I'm sorry to hear that, but honestly it will only make your situation worst if you take it as abuse. I'm not saying to ignore it, just simply understand what has happend, and try to deal with it. I'm telling u this from experience..I am 16, my mother is my worst enemy, i however understand her reasons, to be like she is with me,although i have scars all over me, from her beating, i know she's had a terrible divorce, was abandoned as a child, had to quit her career as she almost finished , to go to a minimum paying job. THis however does by no means justify her actions, i believe she needs professional help,. but she'd never go, so im destined till im 18. THe best help you can get, is talking to people, try a counselor, if not, im here to listen to u, thanks for asking me, and if i can be of further help, let me know, thanks Lali