8) What weak points their childhood has given them
Oh boy, where do I even begin? Every single weak point Frank has (and there is a fuckton) can probably be connected back to his childhood in some way, shape, or fashion. The childhood he had was a shit show of physical, emotional, and (very likely) sexual abuse. His mother, Peggy Gallagher, mother to three other children including Frank’s identical twin brother, was the main abuser. The father took part as well but his impact doesn’t appear to have been as great as Frank’s mothers.
(Below: a quote from his mother expressing her distaste for having Frank as her son)
“Christ, you’re pathetic! You bed-wetting excuse for a son.” —Peggy Gallagher [to her son, Frank] (2x06)
Frank was used as a scapegoat by both his parents probably from as early as he could remember and it had a very detrimental impact on Frank’s psyche. Because Frank is an ENFP he was naturally very emotional, his moods often reacting to the energy of others and their actions towards him, as well as being more susceptible to stress from their environment. With these two factors already in play, it’s not a wonder that with the combined abuse of both parents Frank began developing some of his most notorious traits.
By the time he was 12 Frank had developed anxiety, low self-esteem, feelings of inadequacy, a desire to prove himself and being accepted by the family (his parents), an inability to tolerate high levels of stress, and often taking criticism harshly due to his mother’s frequent belittlement. By his own account, Frank, as he put it,
“Started when I was 12. Never breathed a sober breath since.” —Frank Gallagher [to his doctor] (4x06)
“If there were an anti-AA, I’d have a 40-year drunk chip rattling around in my pocket.” —Frank Gallagher [to his doctor] (4x06)
As we’re already very much aware alcoholism was by no means the only effect his household had on him. He also became extremely narcissistic. As best stated by Brené Brown (below) narcissism is a way of overcompensating for feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem in the form of self-love.
“When I look at narcissism through the vulnerability lens, I see the shame-based fear of being ordinary. I see the fear of never feeling extraordinary enough to be noticed, to be lovable, to belong, or to cultivate a sense of purpose.” — Brené Brown
However, Frank Gallagher’s narcissism is merely a facade worn in an effort to keep himself from feeling unwanted, unloved, and worthless. As a result of being a narcissist, and having been belittled so frequently and with little reprieve in his parents household. Frank is extremely sensitive to any and all criticism made towards him especially when it’s made by his family. This almost always leads to him feeling personally attacked by he believes should be there for him unconditionally and as a result, it’s not uncommon for there to be an emotional blowout himself and either Monica or the kids.
“I was married to Frank for 18 years. I know, it’s like swallowing broken glass every day.” — Monica Gallagher [to Fiona] (1x10)
Frank’s over-sensitivity and emotional outbursts often lead to him to make impulsive emotionally charged decisions which almost immediately come back to haunt him in some way. His hypersensitivity to others actions/words towards him is the weakness that so often gets him in trouble with his family, therefore, driving him further away from them despite his desire to remain as part of the Gallagher Group.
FAMILY HEADCANONS // ACCEPTING // @trickstercaptain
