Few things in life are worse than growing up with a parent who has never valued or supported you the way you needed them to. Sadly, this is the reality for too many individuals, and they either choose to go no-contact or maintain an arms-length distance from their parents.
Many adults with unresolved childhood trauma struggle to form healthy romantic attachments, but one lucky wife with a toxic father found a “superhero” in her husband, who took every possible opportunity to defend her from her critical parent.
A husband stepped up and fiercely defended his wife from her dad’s criticisms.
Cassie, who goes by @ThugMomOG on TikTok, documented her husband Ethan’s response to her dad, Mark, after he disrespected her. She filmed herself as she sat quietly while Ethan spoke angrily on the phone with her father in the background.
“Something I truly hope you understand is I will protect my family,” Ethan affirmed on the phone. “I will not allow you to disturb what peace she has. Be a good [expletive] guy to her, Mark. She’s been through enough.”
The wife said her husband was the first person to protect and defend her since her mom died.
In the caption, Cassie revealed that no one has protected her the way Ethan has since her mom passed away. “My inner child is healing all the time because of this man,” she wrote.
Ethan passionately defended Cassie from her dad’s selfishness, addressing his toxic behaviors and stressing the importance of putting his kids first.
“You’ve hurt Cassie for decades,” Ethan argued. “It honestly takes less energy to be kind and loving over being a hateful [expletive]. None of us want or need any negativity in our lives.”
“If you comprehend anything, let it be this: Do not ever speak to that woman sideways again,” Ethan emphasized.
“Cassie is your daughter, and she deserves nothing but love and support from you. She’s a wonderful person to have in your life.”
TikTokers praised her husband for his protective nature, describing him as the standard all husbands should emulate.
“Cassie’s my wife, and I fiercely defend her,” Ethan declared to Mark. “I demand respect for her, and anything less will not be tolerated.”
TikTok commenters said Ethan’s words and actions denoted “green flags,” proving his worthiness and unconditional love for her.
Dustin Poynter, a TikTok creator who reshares examples of green, red, and white flags in relationships, reposted Cassie’s video highlighting the abundant green flags Ethan exhibited by literally running around a field waving green flags.
“Now THAT is a great partner,” someone commented on the video. “Do we have a green flag of the year because this guy deserves it,” another person said.
“Ethan, that was amazing, mate,” someone else said. “There’s not one husband who watched that who isn’t hoping to have that exact tenacity when it’s needed.”
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Other TikTokers related their own experiences dealing with toxic family members, discussing their partners’ similar protectiveness.
“My husband did this for me with my dad when he was yelling at me. He snatched my phone from me while holding my then 6-month-old. He let loose and didn’t stutter. I love him! I still don’t talk to my dad to this day,” one mom commented.
It’s unknown whether Ethan was able to get through to Mark or not, but the bottom line is that he showed Cassie what it means to be truly supported and protected. As she expressed herself, his brave and loving nature is helping her heal every day from the traumas of her past.
Everyone is worthy of a partner who can exhibit unconditional love and respect.
There’s something so sacred about finding a partner who truly sees and values you as you are, especially if you come from a household that didn’t make you feel safe or supported growing up.
Cassie is not alone in her experience dealing with a toxic, selfish parent who can’t seem to understand the weight of their behaviors.
According to a 2020 large-scale national survey, 27% of American adults over 18 reported estrangement from a family member, equivalent to roughly 67 million people. And this statistic is from four years ago, so the number has likely grown significantly since.
With a strong and dedicated partner by her side, Cassie is documenting her healing experience as she reclaims her self-worth and self-respect. Hopefully, her video reaches others in similar toxic situations and assures them that they are worthy of the same level of love and protection.
Francesca Duarte is a writer on YourTango’s news and entertainment team based in Orlando, FL. She covers lifestyle, human-interest, adventure, and spirituality topics.
