It's something that seldom comes up in conversation due to politeness and the strong likelihood that it will cause discomfort, but a few friends I know intimate

It's something that seldom comes up in conversation due to politeness and the strong likelihood that it will cause discomfort, but a few friends I know intimately have reported bad relationships and questionable parenting only after long personal conversations when we're alone. A causal factor is the tendency to normalise early experiences, even if they are neglectful or abusive. This means many are unaware or reluctant to realise their upbringing wasn't that good when they are older. Without critical examination the early experiences and the assumptions you had as a child are carried into adulthood. So a lot of people will say their parents are 'loving' even if they were far from it.