[quote=sandworm;2170948]Dear Seeker,

I have made a resolution "since my mom's ultimatum" to create a short
explanation for friends, potential romance partners and such, that I
do not suffer then go to my family for comfort and support; I do not
seek their company for holidays (though I will if it seems the best choice
that year) and I am preparing a few choice past events to tell my friends to
demonstrate, that IF I LOVE MYSELF, I will not inflict my family on myself, or
those I care for like friends.

This preparation, I find makes friends not flood me with proddings to
'go see you folks" or, "so what fun are you doing for the holidays, seeing mom and dad??".

Sandworm, Thank you, and what a great, wise response. I have to post an update on this situation, and I'm going to do it in a new topic in the Relationships thread here.
Patty