Honoring Parents?

I haven’t spoken to my father in about seven years. I neither love nor like him, but I’ve decided to follow the Bible’s teaching and write him an email every month, even if I don’t mean it in my heart. I have no desire to call him. He’s stubborn, chronically depressed, arrogant, and very negative. I dont want to explain further about him.

I no longer live with him, but I want to honor him as the Bible commands. I once heard a pastor say the Bible never tells us to love our parents, just to honor them. God knows not all parents are good. I came up with this comparison: in the military, even if you dislike your superior officer, you still respect them because it’s required.

I won’t call or visit him, but I’ll send monthly emails or occasional gifts. Is this enough to honor him properly?