Dear Rory – you sound like a bright and successful individual just by reading how well written your post was. I’m sorry the holidays got you down. As with the others, I think that you should not invest in a condo but find an apartment or something where your not living with your mother but can still save for that condo you want. Eliminating her negativity sooner rather than later sounds like what you need right now. You seem to have your head on straight, you went to school, traveled, lived in China and have plans and goals to save for bigger things! That is something to be proud of! I know its hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel and going through each day with a heavy heart of feeling unloved or belonging but take comfort in knowing that your not alone. I have my own place and live in a big city yet sometimes I too feel so alone. We just have to trust in the process and believe that life will bring us what is best for us at the right time. Perhaps finding a new hobby or revisiting an old one to get you motivated again or find some meet up groups of similar interests.. put yourself out there to have a better chance to meet people while doing something you like, that way its carefree. Anyway, hope your feeling better today.

-gk