Britton answers “What was missing in Vanessa's childhood...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about My Dark Vanessa:

What was missing in Vanessa's childhood that made her such easy pickings? I kept waiting for some psychological explanation from her therapist. Vanessa was an only child and, except for a mother who was annoyingly intrusive and sometimes critical, there was no abuse, nothing to make her crave such intense "adoration," no explanation for her being so easily manipulated.

Britton While I agree that there wasn't any huge trauma that affected Vanessa. I find a lot of people are missing the clear signs of emotional neglect from he…moreWhile I agree that there wasn't any huge trauma that affected Vanessa. I find a lot of people are missing the clear signs of emotional neglect from her parents. They love her, for sure, but they don't know how to talk to her. Her dad's so conflict avoidant, he tucks tail and runs when things look even a little tough. Her mom tries, but she also doesn't know how to talk to her daughter, and even though she deduces what truly happened between Strane and Vanessa, she does nothing. So there were some issues there, even if they aren't as apparent at first glance.

Also as many of the answers here posit, she was lonely and craved affection, Strane took advantage of that. (less)

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