My father-in-law was raised by two parents who decided that emotions were not allowed, especially boys. When he grew up, he joined the military, which seemed to enforce that thinking.
Although he has lightened up since the grandkids came into being, he's still making it really hard for our kids, who are scared to feel any in strong emotions in his presence, because instead of understanding and empathy, he gets mad and stops talking to them. Sometimes he will just get up and leave.
He's a big reader, and although I think giving him a book on the subject will elict a pissy response, I think he might secretly read it and hopefully, if the book works well enough, might just crack the egg enough to let some sunlight in on his stunted inner child.
by WanderInTheTrees
1 Comment
_Man Called Ove_ by Fredrik Backman
It doesn’t match your situation exactly, but it’s about a very lonely old man who has lost his only source of happiness after his wife dies. He’s completely given up hope but a new family moves into his neighborhood and won’t leave him alone. It’s a really sweet story with some pretty intense moments, but for me it was a true feel good story without being cloying.