“Is it actually a thing that we end up attracting the kind of man our father is? Isn't there a way out? I haven't come across a single person during my entire dating experience who isn't toxic.”

Another soul answered...

Not exactly. The tendency is you find someone who reminds you of your father, because for a lot of women (no offense if you're not, I am assuming though since that's who this tends to be about) their father is the man who teaches them what love looks like. Both to them and to their mothers. If your father is uncaring and brash and violent, you are taught that those things come with love, even if that is untrue. But, if your father is affirming, loving, caring, and kind you will learn that that is what love is. All that to say, just because that is your first understanding of love does not mean that is love or how love works. You have the opportunity and ability to choose good true kind love. Sometimes it means breaking the chain, but also it means choosing the future. For yourself, for your kids (if you want them) and your partner. And yeah, there are a lot of toxic people out there. But also you don't tend to find gold in the sewers. Be aware of where you're searching. Dating apps are hell, and basically anywhere online attracts shallow and toxic people. Find a local organization or activity, and in the process make friends there. There are so many good people all around you, you just sometimes have to look in the right place. All this to say, I believe in you. You WILL find love. Not might, not maybe. You will. If you work for it and put in the effort you have a beautiful life ahead of you. I promise. I looked in all the wrong places and got hurt a lot, and then I started looking in better ones and found my wife. And now my life is so great, just because I found the right spots to look. You will too.