Don't you just love the behaviors and relating patterns that parents pass down? I came from an emotionally, and physically abusive home, so I know how it changes a person. How did your upbringing change you?

I stay in touch with my family, but if I sense that a situation or conversation is going to go south I will excuse myself. My mom has very poor boundaries and will share everything under the sun with me, even after I tell her TMI. I sense your pain about having to grieve the loss of never really having your family there for you. It's great that you are able to see all the ineffective behavior and not respond in kind.

Do you have a family? wife, and kids?