Hi, Dr. Laura, 

Your advice about the myth of family is true for so many. I grew up as the third of 4 children, and the first girl. Anytime anything went wrong in the family circumstance, I was the one who was expected to sacrifice my own life to assist. My brothers rarely helped and certainly did not support me emotionally or physically during these times.  My younger sister grew up listening to how terrible I was and continues to try to "save me from myself".  

My father never liked me. I was too outspoken, too independent, too everything for him. Truth? I reminded him of his mother, whom he despised. 

I am almost 62 and have a fantastic husband, three great sons, horses for my fun and friends of all ages and backgrounds. I have systematically been distancing myself from my family and my life gets richer and more pleasant without them. We have a family reunion once per year and get all family together at Christmas. I am polite, interested in what they have to say, and delighted to say goodbye. 

Please keep stressing that family are the people who love you for you and don't crap on you for what they want you to be and can't, nor want to be.  

Doris