My angry alcoholic father ruined my psyche. I didnt want to admit that but two summers ago I finally realized I'm not just a weird little dude with a quirky personality. I have some serious anger management issues that were not getting resolved and probably standing in my way of being a happy human being as well as productive member of society. Saw a shrink and we finally reached the conclusion is was his drinking and anger and self-esteem bashing that made me what I am today. Didnt want to admit that. Its such a cliche and I was hoping it would be deeper or more complex.
It isnt.
The shit that happens to kids is considerably more influential because they dont have much world experience and everything is very significant. Victories are more glorious, defeats (mental and physical) are more disheartening.
So, like many other gen-x kids with fathers who came back scarred from Vietnam, I grew up in an angry, hateful household which is why I wan an angry hateful little kid and since I never dealt with the core issue, grew up into an angry hateful adult.
Since discovering the real problem and learning how to deal with it I have become a shitload happier with myself, and am much easier for other people to like, so I have more friends.
Luckily I never picked up drinking as a habit cuz I seriously think that would have destroyed me before I left the Navy.
Oh, and doubt I have more successes than you. Being happy hasnt changed the fact I been outta work 3 years with no job in sight. No real girlfriend for 4 years. No sex with easy sluts in just under 3 years. No real friends (trust in life and death) since I left the Navy 5 years ago.