#daddyissues already has almost a million TikTok videos! Many of us feel the pull of the past and look for the roots of what we’re feeling. From abandonment trauma to trust issues, some realize that relationships with their dads may have left a lasting mark.
But is it about you?
Today, let’s talk about fathers. And, more importantly, let’s talk about how relationships with them may have influenced our current selves.
Can your father’s presence — or absence — secretly impact your present-day emotions, insecurities, and even your choice of partners? Take a 5-minute daddy issues test to find out.
Do I have daddy issues? Short quiz
This daddy issues test works well for both daughters and sons. So, if you want to check how relationships with your father have influenced your current self, there are no gender limits.
Please choose only one answer for each question and calculate the total points when you finish.
- How do you feel about your relationship with your father?
- My dad is really the best! Growing up, he was my rock — always there with wise advice. We’re still close, and I can always ask him for help. (1 point)
- Well, I remember some heartwarming moments. However, I would be happy to get more love and support from my dad than I did. (2 points)
- I have a long list of grievances with him, and our communication often feels like a stormy sea that’s hard to navigate. (3 points)
- How often do you look for others’ approval?
- Almost never — I’m pretty confident charting my course and sure of my decisions. (1 point)
- Sometimes, I look for reassurance, especially when I’m not confident in my actions. Still, it doesn’t heavily sway how I view my choices. (2 points)
- Frequently, it feels like a mirror that reflects my self-worth, confidence, and satisfaction. (3 points)
- What can you say about your romantic relationships?
- Most often, they’re fulfilling and positive. Of course, I may have small arguments with my partners, but we handle challenges together. (1 point)
- My relationships are healthy but require effort to maintain. We often struggle with communication. (2 points)
- Most of my relationships are like a roller coaster that finishes with a painful breakup. (3 points)
- Is it challenging for you to set boundaries in relationships?
- Not at all. My boundaries are clear because it’s important for me to keep relationships respectful. (1 point)
- Hmm, it’s difficult to answer. I set some boundaries, but they’re a bit wobbly. Sometimes, I would let them slide and then feel guilty about it. (2 points)
- Keeping my space balanced is definitely not my strongest skill. I’m too afraid that people will leave me if I have clear boundaries. (3 points)
- How would you describe your love language?
- Care and understanding, quality time, and physical touch. I can’t pick just one; I show love in whatever way feels right at the moment. (1 point)
- It’s tough to show love directly, so I often give gifts or material things to express my feelings. (2 points)
- Expressing love for me is quite challenging. Because of this, my partners often end up feeling distant, and I don’t know how to deal with it. (3 points)
6. How do you feel about vulnerability in relationships?
- I’m fine with being vulnerable. It helps me connect honestly with others, building stronger, more meaningful relationships. (1 point)
- I don’t open up to everyone around me. But if I can trust someone, it feels right to share my feelings. (2 points)
- Vulnerability is a real challenge for me, and I find it difficult to let my guard down. It feels uncomfortable and risky, so I usually hide my true feelings. (3 points)
7. You’ve argued with your partner. How do you feel?
- Well, I’m a bit frustrated. Still, I’m sure we’ll discuss and fix the problem together. (1 point)
- I’m feeling anxious and unsure. I hope we can work through this, but I’m worried it might stem from deeper issues. (2 points)
- Oh my God, it’s terrible! What if they leave me tomorrow? I need to do everything to fix this before it’s too late! (3 points)
8. Do you frequently compare your achievements to those of others?
- No, I’m happy for others’ success, but my way of life differs. (1 point)
- It can happen from time to time when I feel low, but it doesn’t overshadow my progress. (2 points)
- Often. Why are others so successful while I feel like I’m always falling short? (3 points)
9. Your partner needs to go to another city for several days. How do you feel?
- Happy for them. It’s a great way for both of us to get some space. (1 point)
- I feel relieved that I’ll have some time alone. It’s easier for me to relax without worrying about our relationship. (2 points)
- I’m anxious that they’ll find someone better and break up with me. (3 points)
10. How do you react when you feel left out?
- I know not everything revolves around me, and it’s just part of life sometimes. (1 point)
- It’s a bit painful, but I can usually bounce back and find a way to feel better. (2 points)
- I feel deeply hurt and neglected like I don’t deserve anything. (3 points)
Daddy issues quiz results
Have you already calculated all the points? Great! Now, let’s unwrap what your score reveals about your relationship with your father and how it influences your life.
Note. This test is designed for self-reflection and is not a substitute for professional help. If you want to overcome childhood trauma and start your healing journey, it’s recommended to seek guidance from a therapist.
10-16 points
You are unlikely to live with daddy issues.
Still questioning something like, “Do I have daddy issues?” The most probable answer is “No.”
Maybe your relationship with your father wasn’t perfect, but you seem to have grown up in a healthy, supportive family.
He used to take you home from school, buy cotton candy in the amusement park every Saturday, or read fairy tales until you fell asleep.
Whatever your childhood memories are, your dad was caring enough that now you feel secure in your relationships and confident in yourself.
17-24 points
According to the daddy issues test, you have some signs of a lack of a father figure.
He wasn’t perfect. You have seen a loving and supportive dad a few times in childhood, and you still keep these memories in your heart as real treasures. Maybe he was detached or inconsistent at times, but there were still moments of care.
This emotional baggage of mixed experiences might have left you with some lingering feelings or needs that can affect your relationships and emotions today.
“My father wasn’t perfect, but I did forgive him. We still talk, and I want to improve our relationship.” We asked Viviana Greco, PhD, if the relationship becomes better now, whether it will be helpful to cope with daddy issues from childhood, “It’s great that you’re working on improving your relationship with your father and that forgiveness has been part of your journey. While building a stronger relationship now can bring emotional healing and closure, deeper issues and feelings from the past can still influence you in ways that aren’t easy to resolve alone. A therapist can help guide you through unresolved feelings from childhood.”
25-30 points
You’re probably experiencing some “daddy issues” symptoms.
Have you ever asked yourself something like, “Why do I hate my dad?” According to your answers in this daddy issue test, your relationship has left a long-lasting scar in your soul.
Your lost inner child might have experienced a lack of support and help in childhood, so now you’re probably looking for a father figure in someone else. You might find yourself drawn to older partners, craving any bit of affection, and feeling lonely even when you’re with others.
These are echoes of your unresolved feelings, and the daddy issue quiz shows how much they influence your well-being.
Here are some tips from Viviana Greco, PhD, on how to take care of yourself:
- Build self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a friend
- Practice mindfulness or journaling
- Surround yourself with supportive and nurturing relationships
- Engage in activities that make you feel competent and fulfilled, such as hobbies, fitness, or learning something new
Do you suffer from a lack of a father figure? The meaning of daddy issues
By the way, let’s briefly revise what daddy issues are. It isn’t a Reddit buzzword or TikTok trend but something much deeper.
Daddy issues are all about unresolved or repressed childhood traumas. They stem from complicated relationships with a father or his absence in a child’s life.
How can you answer the question, “Do you have daddy issues?” It’s not just about quiz results — your behavior might hold the answer.
Do you find yourself seeking approval, drawn to emotionally unavailable partners, or dealing with trust issues? This might happen because the relationship with your dad still plays a role in your life.
How to know if you have daddy issues?
If you’ve ever seen the Stranger Things TV series, you remember Eleven and her complicated relationship with her stepfather. This is a great example of a female character who might need to pass a daddy issues test.
What are the signs that she has problems with a father figure? And what manifestations of daddy issues can you notice in your behavior? Here’s a short list.
- You’re into older guys.
- Trusting people, especially men, feels like a big challenge.
- You need constant validation to feel secure in relationships.
- You’re scared of being left behind.
- Setting boundaries is hard — you tend to over-give.
- You feel anxious or insecure, always worrying if your partner will leave.
- Jealousy and possessiveness creep into your love life.
- Expressing your emotions doesn’t come easy.
- You have a habit of trying to “fix” or save people in relationships.
- You often question your worth.
What to do if you experience the symptoms above while the “Do I have daddy issues?” test shows a positive result? It’s high time to take care of your mental well-being.
If you can’t handle the outcomes of past wounds on your own, getting in touch with a licensed therapist will be the best option.
Taking this step can mean a lot on the way to a happier and more fulfilling life!
