AnalysisRetire to keep autonomy and self-worth
Retire in dignity to stay independent
Retreat from their father into the inner world
Father retreats into his inner world
Retire to keep autonomy and self-worthThe essence can be seen as: retreating to be able to combine autonomy and self-worth. They want to keep their autonomy and self-worth. But they cannot retain it due to the pressure from the outside world. So they retire into their own world. They have the feeling that they don’t have the strength or capacity to maintain their autonomy in the world. They can develop a complete fantasy world, or live in a world of books, music or art. They can get disappointed, but also want to keep their self-worth. So they retire in dignity.
Retreat from their father into inner worldThey can have a very domineering father. But they cannot stand being dominated. So they act half according to his will, but internally they stay their own boss. In their inner world they find the freedom that’s not permitted them in the outer world.
Father retreats into his inner worldTheir father can be a person who needs freedom and independence, but is unable to create that in his own world. So he retires into his own world. But then he’s not available for them anymore. He’s only half there to give them the feeling of being a worthwhile person.