Thank you for your story and response St406. I am sorry your mom was so abusive. I am glad that your therapist was able to help you with that. Yes, I have told my mom my feelings a million times, each time thinking that she is going to finally get it. But her response is the same everytime, she feels like the whole world is out to get her and attack her. Everytime I tell her that I wish she could show her love without buying me things, she will tell me that I am attacking her and get really defensive. Then she will give me a story that I'm selfish and don't appreciate all the things she does for me. She treats my dad the worst and its difficult to watch it. I will never understand why my dad puts up with it. My dad was there a lot when I was smaller but can no longer help me anymore due to my mother. My mom doesn't allow my dad to speak or think for himself and does not want him helping us out. If he does, she plays the divorce card and walks out (which in my opinion is a gift for my father). I feel like I have no support system.