People laugh about psychiatrists saying that everything is linked to your childhood, but I believe it really is. I think the difference is that some of us rise above that cycle and some don't or at least they need some self help to do it. It was not until about age 45 that I finally realized how screwed up my life was growing up. We always had plenty of stuff. We went to church, had a nice house, my dad had a good job and was respected. How much more normal could it be, right? Well, withing the family was a nasty little dynamic created by my mom. The rest of us lived on pins and needles because we could never live up to her standards. She never beat us, but never being good enough and having to knock yourself out trying just to fail and fail over again was almost as damaging. I am just sorry that it took me so long to see it. My dad was just as bad because he let it go on and he is a victim too.
Now you know how I am able to recognize a parent that is a bully. They don't always have to be name callers either. In my mom's case, I think she needs to feel constantly superior and in control of us. If she loses that grip she fears she will be left all alone and she probably will.