Who is more important among the parents and why?

Yah. But I am afraid, we are slightly deviating from the theme.

I have a friend who had no father, he regrets what he imagines a father would have been, however he seems normal. Other than the fact that he is extreamly selfish. I think it depends on your gender, if your a girl, a father is important, if your a boy, a mother is important.

See, it's not the case always. I have seen there are people who have grown up with single parent, but they are very much normal, even generous. It seems this depends on the conditioning forces -- social, economic, psychological and so on.

Hi, we are discussing in present tense. Past is gone, when perhaps this question would not arise at all. Correct?

No, I just wanted to mean: At present there is no point in thinking what it was when the institution called 'family' was set up. We have to think and and talk based on today's situation.

Sorry, I really do not understand your comment. I guess I could be more clear. My mother spent more time with me growing up, so she influenced my life a lot, therefore she is important. My father was out of the picture a lot, but the lack of having a father in the picture, and learning to deal with all the emotions involved also influenced me a great deal. Therefore they both had an equal impact on my life, whether it was good or bad.

So, 'contact' is a point, based on which the importance is determined. Good reply. Let us see what come from others.