The impact of our upbringing often reverberates into adulthood, shaping our behaviors, choices, and even our personalities.
Growing up in a very strict environment can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. Rules, discipline, and expectations—they all leave a mark that can manifest in different ways as we grow older.
Not everyone reacts to a strict upbringing in the same way. But certain patterns tend to emerge over and over again. Some behaviors can be directly traced back to the type of discipline and structure we had as children.
Here are 8 behaviors that those who grew up in a very strict environment often exhibit. Do you recognize any of them?
1) Rule-following
One of the hallmarks of a strict upbringing is the importance placed on rules and regulations. This can often carry over into adulthood.
Those who grew up in a very strict environment may find themselves more inclined to follow the rules and demonstrate a high level of discipline in their personal and professional lives. They are the ones who stick to the speed limit, never miss deadlines, and are usually very punctual.
Rule-following isn’t necessarily a negative trait. It can often lead to success in areas that require precision and mastery. However, it can also lead to stress and anxiety if a balance isn’t struck.
Growing up under the constant pressure of strict rules can sometimes make people more rigid and less adaptable to change. They may struggle with flexibility or making spontaneous decisions because they’re used to having a clear structure to follow.
So, have you noticed someone who always plays by the rules? They may just be the product of an overly strict upbringing.
2) Perfectionism
Perfectionism is another common trait seen in individuals who grew up in a strict environment. The high expectations and strict standards they were subjected to as children can translate into a constant pursuit of perfection.
Take me, for example. I grew up in a household where anything less than an A was seen as a failure. This created a core pressure that has followed me into adulthood. Even today, I find myself striving for perfection in everything I do.
Whether it’s a work project, a hobby, or even just everyday tasks, I can’t seem to shake the feeling that everything has to be flawless. While this drive for excellence can lead to high-quality output, it can also lead to unnecessary stress and a tendency to overwork.
Perfection isn’t always a bad thing, but when it turns into an obsession, it can have negative effects on mental health and overall happiness. It’s a balance worth paying attention to.
3) Difficulty expressing emotions
Emotional expression is often suppressed in strict upbringings. Children raised in such environments may be taught that showing negative emotions such as anger or sadness is unacceptable. This can lead to a tendency to suppress or hide emotions, which can persist into adulthood.
A study published in the Journal of Family Issues found that individuals who experienced strict upbringings with little emotional warmth were more likely to have difficulty expressing emotions in their adult relationships. This emotional suppression can lead to problems with communication and emotional intimacy.
So, if you come across someone who often struggles to express their emotions, it could be a reflection of their strict upbringing.
4) High Levels of Self-Discipline
Growing up in a strict environment often involves a lot of self-control and self-control. This upbringing can lead to people who have a high level of self-discipline in their adult lives.
These individuals may find it easier to stick to routines, diets, or exercise plans. They are more likely to meet deadlines, stay organized, and avoid procrastination. They have been trained from an early age to control their impulses and delay gratification.
While this can be a valuable trait in many aspects of life, it can also lead to rigidity and an inability to relax or unwind. It’s another one of those traits that can be a double-edged sword depending on how you manage it.
5) Fear of Making Mistakes
Imagine growing up in an environment where mistakes were not tolerated, where every mistake was met with punishment or harsh criticism. This can create a deep-seated fear of making mistakes that persists into adulthood.
People with this fear may find themselves constantly questioning their decisions, hesitating to take risks, or being overly cautious in their actions. This can hold them back from new experiences and opportunities.
Making mistakes is a natural part of life, and it’s how we learn and grow. But for those raised in a strict environment, it can be a source of anxiety and self-doubt. It’s heartbreaking to see someone trapped in this fear, unable to break free from the judgmental voice in their head that always whispers, “Don’t make mistakes.”
6) Struggling with Self-Esteem
A strict upbringing often equates to constant criticism, leading many individuals to struggle with their self-esteem. The constant pursuit of perfection and fear of making mistakes can create a sense of never being good enough.
I remember, as a child, feeling like I was always walking on eggshells, trying to meet the high standards set by my parents. No matter how hard I tried or how much I achieved, it never seemed like enough. This instilled an underlying sense of inadequacy that persisted into my adult life.
This struggle with self-esteem can manifest in a variety of ways—from being overly critical of oneself to seeking validation from others. It’s a battle that many people who grew up in a strict environment go through every day.
7) Over-responsibility
Another common trait of those who grew up in a strict environment is a tendency to take on a lot of responsibility. This can stem from a childhood where they were held to a high degree of responsibility for their actions, leading to a heightened sense of duty and responsibility.
These individuals often find it difficult to delegate tasks, fearing that if they don’t do it themselves, it won’t be done properly. They may also feel responsible for the feelings and well-being of others, often at the expense of their own needs.
While responsibility is generally seen as a positive trait, over-responsibility can lead to burnout and stress. These individuals need to learn to balance taking on responsibility and over-exerting themselves.
8) Craving for Structure
The final trait we often see in those who grew up in a strict environment is a craving for structure. They are used to having rules and routines to follow, and this can translate into a need for order and predictability in their adult lives.
They may be those who meticulously plan their schedules, love making lists, or feel uncomfortable in spontaneous situations. This passion for structure can be a source of comfort, providing a sense of control in an unpredictable world.
However, it is also essential to learn how to deal with uncertainty and embrace flexibility. Life is unpredictable, and not everything can be planned or controlled. Finding this balance is crucial to personal growth and mental well-being.
Deep Understanding
The effects of a strict upbringing on later behavior are not just about discipline or structure. They are deeply rooted in our psychological development and the way we learn to perceive and interact with the world.
Remember that behaviors are not labels. They are signals that signify the many experiences that shape us. Understanding these signals can lead to greater compassion and acceptance—for ourselves and others.
Those who grew up in strict environments may find these traits relatable. But it is important to remember that while our past shapes us, it does not limit us. We all can change, grow, and improve ourselves.
As we deal with our behaviors or seek to understand others, let us remember these connections. Let us be patient, understanding, and open to the complexities that make us who we are.
