I think one thing I've learned that I've been afraid to lose is a positive self image. My self image, currently isn't affected by the opinions of others, at least not as much as it used to be. This has led to a healthier life and lifestyle.

My anger lately has been around a family holiday for the winter season. I'm not able to attend, because of unhealthy tension within my birth family, that no-one wants to address. I've expressed willingness to find some common ground, but, currently, no-one wishes to confront this tension. So to protect my self and my family from an unhealthy situation that could erupt into verbal assault by my family members, I feel that it would be irresponasable for my family and myself to attend. I'm not trying to cause problems, but I don't feel safe and neither does my wife and step-son. I find my birth family to be confusing and hurtful to be around. They use guilt as a weapon very frequently. Sometimes I wish I could move to a different planet.

Thanks. A.