I think it's true that having a poor, abusive, or nonexistent relationship with a parent can cause trust issues, self-esteem issues, and various other issues that influence how you form relationships with others, particularly if those issues are unaddressed or unmanaged. That's a legitimate struggle that lots of people have to deal with, and it deserves some U N D E R S T A N D I N G from all the people who apparently have GREAT parents. But I think the term "daddy issues" and the way it's used to shame others is some real substandard bullshit. It's usually used to shame women specifically for being what someone has perceived as "too promiscuous." Or sometimes, when people see a woman doing ANYTHING they don't personally like, like wearing a nose ring or blue hair, they'll say something like, "wow, someone has daddy issues." But imo? someone is a fuckin butthole.

Even when a person does have issues with their father it doesn't mean their existence revolves around seeking validation he didn't give them. And shaming and dismissing people for issues their parents caused is pretty heinous.