naturefreak, i agree with most others here and have only ever relied on myself. my husband doesn't even know how bad i really am at times. he doesn't understand depression and after 30yrs i don't bother him with it. i see a therapist and come here and talk with others who understand depression. i have helped family with money and then been treated appallingly. i have had to cut them out of my life.
at the beginning of this year after a five yr friendship - originally started online - dissolved because i didn't like the way i was being treated. over the yrs i had sent the said person, birthday gifts, christmas gifts, care packages (as they don't live in oz) knitted woollen beanies and gloves for their cold winter. when he was in oz i picked him up from the airport, always picked him up and took him if he wanted to go anywhere, took him to lunch etc. this was never reciprocated. i started to wise up when he said to me (and it sounds petty but after 5 yrs of abuse ) i added so and so to my facebook because they have only ever been nice to me. i asked him why he hadn't added me and he stuttered and stammered and started to yell and scream at me that it wasn't all about me! i then went and took it out on myself. i won't go into that part i feel ashamed. i am my best friend and i can only ever rely on me. sad but true.
xx