PFM...
Your aunt made some valid statements, and what I believe I'm hearing you say is
"OS, I didn't think it would be this damn hard but I'm going to do it. I am willing to do the work involved, there are people who care enough to help me, and I deserve to be treated with respect."

I don't know if you are familiar with Jeff Foxworthy and the Blue Collar Comedy tour and his brand of humor?
there's usually a comment made about something unusual happening, then this is said, "There's your sign."
You got your sign...