Question by Terese: How can I stop my family from abusing me?
I’m over 50 years old. My brothers are younger than me. My sister is a year older than me. They’re interfering with my life. They’re trying to tell me I shouldn’t see my male friend because he has a “past.” Yes, he HAD a problem with prescription drug addiction. It was over two years ago. He’s been in a program, has been in counseling with me, we’re working things out, we’re practicing Catholics, and his problems stem from a very personal issue in his past having to do with a member of the clergy and abuse. None of my family members know this and it’s NONE of their business. My brothers insist that they don’t want him around the family and that he’s not welcome at any family functions. The ironic thing is that ALL THREE of my siblings have used illegal drugs in their past. I’m the only one who has never touched an illegal substance. What a bunch of hipocrites! My siblings all claim to be CHRISTIANS. Where’s the forgiveness? At what point do you move on–if ever? My boyfriend is devastated by their behavior and extremely angry. I’ve been forced to choose between my family and him, and I’ve chosen him. My mother is the only neutral one, and she’s torn because she feels threatened by my brothers and bullied by my sister, who is her caregiver. What am I to do? I’ve never felt so low, helpless, and hopeless in my life.    Read more...