Diametrically Opposed Parents

I'm reading a book called "DO IT!" 'Let's get off our butts' and the author talks about heredity being stronger than environment. And that each of us gets our personality traits and coping skills from our parents.

So upon reflection I realized my parents were diametrically opposed. Two more opposite people could rarely be found.

My mother was short, shy, and reserved. She preferred staying home, never learned to drive even though given the opportunity many times over, and struggled to raise 5 kids for the most part alone. She was a Cancer for those that follow astrology. She coped with challenges by either sticking her head in the sand, or hiding inside her fort, or passive aggression or withdrawal. In other words, by being as invisible as possible.

My father was loud, big, aggressive, confrontational and as my sister labels him, a megalomaniac. He challenged authority, fought against gender bias, dealt with problems by raging at the machine, and preferred to be anywhere but home. He loved to travel, gamble and tackle new things. He was in the military and traveled around the world. He is a Sagittarius, which is a fire sign.

So here I am, by DNA, a combination of the two. No wonder I'm confused. I bounce between rage, and withdrawal. I tilt at windmills, then hide in my house. I'm not afraid of gang members, but am terrified of the government. I bite off more than I can chew, then end up hiding in my apartment for days. The thought of traveling around the world both thrills me and terrifies me. I'm always getting in my own way. I never know whether to charge or retreat or hold my ground. I've driven across the USA by myself and back again. I'm moody and bitter and think too much and too hard. And I'm a Capricorn.