Hi Victoria,

It’s hard to cut family out of your life. I would visit them less, have them call you and then only have no more than fifteen minutes of basic politeness on the phone.

As for your boyfriend, have you considered that you might be the “toxic” one?

You tell him you want a non-monogamous relationship. He thinks “Oh great, another guy!” probably.

You say “I love you” but he doesn’t hear the sincerity in your voice. Or you don’t say those words at all.

You are keeping him around because there’s nothing else out there.

Please cast him loose. For his sake.

Best,

Inky