When uncomfortable becomes comfortable

Now that I am not wasting so much time obsessing over men, I find that I have a significant amount of time to devote to examining past relationship patterns. As I have come to learn over the past several years, what an adult deems as a "normal" in a relationship is formed during their childhood, by observing the relationship their parents or caregivers had.
With that being said, I inadvertently stumbled across quite the stunning realization this past week. Last weekend, my bathroom sink was leaking so my dad came over to fix it and was still here when I got home from work Monday evening. As is customary whenever he fixes anything, he gets impatient and then angry if things don't go his way. He also needs someone to hold the flashlight. Interestingly enough, I have figured out that said person serves a dual purpose: to hold the flashlight and provide emotional/moral support. Whomever is in this enviable position will most likely get to be the spectator of his ensuing temper tantrum. As a kid in this position, I was absolutely terrified. I would do everything he asked perfectly so as not to make him angry and send him into a tirade. Although I am no longer afraid as an adult, it does make me uncomfortable.
Which leads me to the title of this blog; all of the men I have been in long term relationships with had the same personalities (although not nearly as good handymen). During uncomfortable times with these men when it felt as if I was walking on eggshells, I felt the same level of discomfort. The most recent incident of this occurred with my last qualifier. During the limited time I spent with him, I remember several occasions where he became angry and I resumed my usual post at Fort Uncomfortable, trying to perform perfectly and calm the big, strong tough guy. Good Lord, enough is enough! 🙄