Dear Lada:

I am so glad you replied and that there is such positive improvement in your experience of life. And you are seeing someone, and going out with friends- a big plus. In your relationship with that someone and with friends, be assertive, respectful to yourself. Allow yourself to be who you are.

At home, protect yourself the best you can from your mother: I like you not seeing her days at a time. And I still hope that in the future you will be moving out so that indeed seeing her will happen in the frequency that will not damage you.

Please do focus on your outside the home social interactions, make those loving, and give up on trying to make your relationship with your mother a loving one, or anything at all.

Please do post again, anytime. So good to read from you!

anita