Question 2:
Unconditional positive regard is accepting and supporting another regardless of what they say or do, and without judging them. Someone who treats me like this is my dad. When it comes to him, I feel like I can never do anything wrong. Though there are times when he might get frustrated or upset with me, he always seems to accept and understand whatever I’ve done in the end. Our relationship is very healthy because I can respect him and his authority because I feel like he respects me no matter what I do. I also find that I’m one of the only people who he can have conflicting beliefs/opinions to and still support them without getting in an argument. Meaning he respects my opinion.
Though I feel unconditional positive regard from my dad, it does come with some minor conditions of worth. One of the significant conditions is having to hang out and be around him a lot even though I don’t always have time. I feel like it is a common thing for kids with parents like mine; they feel like they have to pay them back. That can come in many different forms, and for me, it is spending a LOT of time with them. So giving him my time is my condition of worth, because I feel that if I don't, he won't treat me with unconditional positive regard.
Well done Brennan, this is very insightful. Upon reading your reflection, I see that I feel very similarly with my Dad, except that I'm on the other side of the country, and I'm terrible about calling regularly. Well considered and expressed - great job! 20/20