Imagine growing up without a father figure, only to have him reappear when you’re all grown up. This is the reality for a 24-year-old woman, who we’ll call Jane. Jane’s biological father, who she refers to as ‘Sperm Donor’ (SD), was absent for most of her life due to multiple stints in prison. But when he finally reached out, Jane had a clear message for him: ‘I already have a dad.’ This emotional tale is a rollercoaster of family drama, heartache, and the strength of a woman setting boundaries.
The Absentee Father

The Devastating Goodbye

The Real Dad Steps In

The Return of the Sperm Donor

The Disappearance Act

The Confrontation

The Hurtful Response

The Lingering Guilt

The Complex Family Tree

The Silent Treatment

A Daughter’s Struggle: Balancing Boundaries and Longing
Jane’s story is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, emotional boundaries, and the struggle to reconcile with an absentee father. After a life spent largely without her biological father, she was forced to navigate the tricky waters of his return. Despite her desire to know him as a person, she was firm in her stance that she already had a dad, a statement that seemed to push him away. Now, she grapples with guilt and a lingering desire for connection. As we delve into the internet’s reactions to this complex situation, let’s remember the strength it takes to set boundaries, even when it hurts.
NTA. Absentee father wants to be a grandparent without parenting.

NTA. Clear communication is key, but he may have misunderstood.

NTA. Your ‘Dad’ is the person who raised you.

Mom’s meddling in your relationship with SD is unnecessary. NTA! ✋

NTA: Setting boundaries with absent father, he should be grateful
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NTA – Bold truth, but extend an olive branch for closure.
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NTA: Boldly standing up to absentee father, finding a better dad
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NTA. Finding a real dad is a game-changer.

Bold truth-telling: NTA, sometimes the truth hurts

NTA – Reach out to other family members for support ❤️

NTA. A real dad loves and raises, not just donates.
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NTA. Your mom needs to prioritize your feelings

Setting boundaries with absent father, choosing chosen family

NTA: Absentee father gets called out, daughter takes a stand

NTA. SD is a selfish, self-centered human. You deserve better

NTA – SD is a grown ass baby. He made his bed, now he can lay in it.

NTA: Husband’s father vs. dad, a title earned ❤️

NTA: Respectful disagreement about sperm donors and infertility struggles.

Moving on from absentee father: NTA, but a dead issue.

NTA. Your sperm donor wants a trophy, not a daughter. You’re lucky to have a great dad who stepped up.

Bold woman stands up to absentee father. Consequences for his actions.

NTA: Absentee father’s neglect and rejection, stepdad is true dad ❤️
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NTA stands up to absent father: ‘What did he expect? ♀️’

Not the a**hole. Taking a stand against an absentee father.

NTA: You have a dad, SD is missing out
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NTA: Standing up to absent birth family, no regrets ♀️
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NTA – Stand strong, don’t let guilt sway your boundaries.

NTA: A true parent is there for their child, always.

NTA. Mom defends absentee dad? Unbelievable!
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NTA. Your dad is the one who raised you.

Commenter stands up for herself, prioritizing her own feelings

NTA. Reach out slowly, he may feel useless and like a failure.

NTA- Setting boundaries with absent father, creating a chosen family ❤️

NTA: Taking a stand against a deadbeat dad

Therapist supports woman’s decision to set boundaries with absent father ✊

Setting boundaries with absent father: NTA, he’s being immature

NTA. Setting boundaries to protect yourself from an absent father.

NTA for finding a new dad who loves and supports you ❤️

NTA: Absentee father’s questionable involvement with younger half-sisters.

Changing my last name to my stepdad’s was empowering

Taking a stand against absent father: ‘I owe him nothing’ ✊

NTA. You don’t have to fix someone else’s mess.

NTA. It’s not about him.

Bold response to absentee father: ‘Too little, too late’

NTA for standing up to absent father. You have a dad and he’s there for you

Clear who the a**hole is here, and it’s not you

NTA: Standing up to an absentee father with no remorse

NTA- Absentee father’s regret hits hard, but you’re not to blame

“NTA. Who gives a s**t if his feelings are hurt? ♀️ You made your intentions clear.”

NTA, but consider clarifying your intentions to avoid misunderstandings.

“NTA. You moved on, he needs to live with it. “

Mom’s got your back! You’re definitely NTA in this.

NTA. Setting boundaries against an absentee father. Don’t play his game!

Sisters kiss ass, but she calls out absentee ‘sperm donor’
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Engaging caption for the comment and its replies

“Real” family isn’t just about blood.
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