I think parents are role models for their children whether they like it or not. A boy's impression of women is affected by his relationship with his mother. A girl's impression of men is affected by her relationship with her father.
My father was abusive when I was a kid. I've worked through the child abuse issues but still have an estranged relationship with him. I'll visit my parents' house but don't really talk to my father. To this day he still sometimes ignores me when I try to have a conversation. Growing up I'd tell him about something that was important to me and while my mother would be supportive he would shoot me down, berate me for being an idiot, or just ignore me like I'm not there. On the rare days when he was in a good mood he would praise me, even if what I wanted was a bad idea. My mom would then intervene and try to set me straight. Growing up I experienced my father (and by extension all men) as cold, uncaring, selfish, irresponsible, judgmental, harsh, and hurtful. Luckily, I've been friends with men who were kind, caring, responsive, and patient, so I know this isn't true. But because of these rough lessons from childhood I can't seem to open up to any guy that I'm dating. Without opening up and sharing your real thoughts and feelings with the other person you just remain acquaintances.
Does anyone else have/had an emotionally absent / abusive father but was able to establish a healthy relationship? If so, how did you overcome your trust issues? How about fears of abandonment in a relationship?