Thank you again, Anita! I agree that sometimes it is best to cut people off – and it is necessary when they are deliberately trying to hurt you. My main concern was that I didn’t want to make that decision for him and that it should be his choice because it is so personal. But fortunately, he realized that he needs to decide himself and sent that email on his own, without my suggesting it.

He had wanted to cut her off long ago but had that warped view that family should be there for each other “no matter what” – which is ironic because none of his family was ever there for him and probably never will be. But I think he realizes that this thinking is a fantasy (in his case) and a wrong social convention, as you said. I am glad that you brought that up, and in the future if he starts feeling guilty, I am going to remind him of this and the fact that he felt good after sending that email.

Thank you again for all of your help with this! You’ve made me feel so much better.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 3 months ago by Charlie.