How can a person emotionally honor their parents despite feeling a lack of affection and love from them and their irresponsibility, especially when there is an emotional attachment to another person (the manager at work) who compensates for this deficiency?

First, advice is directed to the parents regarding the necessity of raising their children well and monitoring their actions, based on the Almighty's saying: ﴿Qū anfusakum wa ahlikum naran﴾ (Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire), and the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: «Whoever raises two daughters until they reach maturity, he and I will come on the Day of Resurrection like these two (and he pointed with his index and middle fingers)», and «Each of you is a guardian and is responsible for his flock.» The father must spend on his daughter until she marries and marry her to a suitable match, and not prevent her from marrying. If the girl is forced to work, it should be in a field where there is no mixing, and with adherence to the legitimate hijab and modesty.

To the sister who asked the question, we say that honoring one's parents is obligatory even if they fall short, and honoring them is not a reward for their kindness. Honoring them means caring for them materially and morally by doing what pleases them and avoiding what harms them. As for affection and love, these are not within a person's control and they are not obligated to feel them.

As for her attachment to her boss at work, it is inappropriate and is one of the steps of Satan. Relationships with men at work should be limited to necessity, while avoiding mixing, adhering to the hijab, and not speaking in a soft or alluring manner. Caution must be exercised regarding this feeling towards this non-mahram man. A woman's natural work is to raise her children and take care of her home and husband. Her work outside the home should be for a temporary necessity.