Will my dad ever stop being so mean to me?

Hi, sorry for your problems. your Dad sounds like he has some major problems himself that are causing him to be hurtful and verbally abusive to you. He could be depressed, or have had not learned how to be a proper parent himself. As for how to cope, I would detach as much as I could. Rather than trying to win his approval and putting so much time, effort and emotion into it. I would spend as much time out of the home (without being defiant or causing more problems) in safe activities. Seek out positive situations every where you can and spend time there . Look for the friends that have stable home lives and spend as much time as you can with positive people wherever you can find them. Libraries, book stores, hobbies, clubs, sports, classes, a part time job (which will be a good excuse for being out of the house) and will get you some extra money too.. Concentrate on YOUR life. He is not the authority or judge of you. He just sounds like an unhappy, angry depressed man. It is not for you to worry about why. Just say as little as possible to him so he has no reasons to pick on you.(he may work hard to find some anyway).Let it go over your head. A good answer may be "Youre right dad, I will try" although he may even argue with that. Think and concentrate on your own future. Study hard, and get good grades, so that YOU can make YOUR own life what you want it to be with a career you are good at (everyone is good at something) and that you enjoy and that pays well. Realize your Dad has some kind of disturbance,. It is not your job to be a psychologist and try to figure out why. Just look for other trusted adults that can help you with your goals. Guidance counselors, teachers, other loving relatives that approve of you, friends parents that you trust, or just you, being strong and shutting out his cruel words and remembering he is not the expert here. Go on with your life. Dont get into haveing poor self esteem or into any destructive behaviours because of him. Give him as little thought as possible as you make your own life what YOU want it to be. (That part about going into the Service and dying for a good cause is really something a sick person would say.) A normal parents WORSE nightmare is their child dying for ANY reason. That is a clue your Dad is really a sick and certainly not a normally functioning man. AND remember, YOU can love the person. BUT and Big but here. is that YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LOVE HIS BEHAVIOR. Separate the two in your mind. If this gets to be too much for you seek professional help for yourself. Some counseling agencies are free or have a sliding scale. If the abuse escalates, report him. God bless you, I am so sorry you have to go thru this "what doesnt kill us makes us stronger." take care