It’s a powerful reflection to wonder how someone would feel if their own child were treated in the same way they’ve treated their partner. Many people who behave selfishly or abusively fail to consider the impact of their actions, let alone how it would feel if the roles were reversed or if someone they loved endured such treatment. If they stopped to truly imagine their own daughter being exploited, neglected, or mistreated for decades, it might force them to confront the pain and harm they’ve caused.

As for what their parents might think—this is another compelling point. For many, the values instilled by family—respect, fairness, love, and accountability—are core principles. If their behavior contradicts those values, they might feel shame or guilt if they allowed themselves to truly reflect. The thought of parents looking on with disappointment or disgust after three decades of this kind of treatment should be a sobering reality check for anyone with a conscience.

Unfortunately, some people lack the self-awareness or empathy to engage in this level of reflection. They may justify their actions, shift blame, or avoid accountability altogether. But for those capable of introspection, these kinds of thoughts could be deeply unsettling. Imagining the judgment of loved ones or the suffering of their own child might be one of the few things that could force them to recognize the gravity of their actions.

Regardless of whether they reflect or change, their behavior speaks volumes about their character. It’s not your responsibility to ensure they learn the lessons they clearly avoided for decades. What matters now is that you recognize your worth, validate your feelings, and work toward reclaiming the peace and respect you’ve always deserved. You’ve endured so much, and it’s never too late to break free from the shadow of someone else’s failures and build a life that reflects your strength, dignity, and value.