The 1990s would still be 15+ years after this would have happened which was 1975. It may not be entirely made up, but as written it is entirely false.

Not to mention that Google was founded in 1998. Prior to Google there really wasn’t an easy way to search out knowledge, let alone e-commerce being a thing. But the first credited search engine that I know of is Archie, which was created in 1990. This story takes place 6 years before I was born: in 1975. Either this story is completely fabricated, or the names & details have been changed to protect the innocent. Such as the “dad” in the story is actually OP, and this story actually happened within the last few years.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to try and help others to see things about themselves or their lives that they don’t see. But:

1. it isn’t your responsibility to be that person for other people

2. you can’t help those who refuse to help themselves

3. protecting yourself and protecting your heart from people who are reckless & careless with it is always a good decision

4. having your own boundaries on how it is you will be treated by others of the best form of self care there is

Do not beat yourself up for the mistakes of your past. Instead learn from them, grow because of them, and become the best version of yourself you can. There is a path from where you are now to a place where you are unimaginably happy with a loving and supportive partner. It is up to you to do the work to move past where you are now and to find that path.

I wish you luck, OP.