Hi dear Sandee ~ I also had a lot of trouble being taken advantage of, being walked all over, and being too "meek" by not being able to stand up for myself. It made me so angry! My therapist was awesome and it seemed like she knew exactly what i was going thru! She told me I needed to "take my power back." She said I couldn't be a doormat unless I laid down. lol

A lot of the problem comes from the 'delivery" when you're talking to someone. You have to be definite and and strong in a statement without being rude. For instance, when you KNOW someone is either trying to take advantage, or is being verbally abusive, just plain look them in the eye and say: "All I ask for is respect. I ask nothing more but I'll accept NOTHING LESS." And make sure they know that you MEAN it!! You must say it in a tone of voice that makes them stand up and take notice.

Like I said, your tone of voice makes a big difference. That's what I mean about "delivery." You can't just stay it in a monotone voice or no one will listen. Plus you must stand up straight when you're talking! The taller the better. Once we do things like this a few times, people will understand that we're not what we USED to be, and they'll understand that we're not going to "take" what we used to take either! We'll become a force to be reckoned with! We'll gain respect, plus our self-esteem will grow and we'll feel much better about ourselves. It's a win-win situation.

It will take a little time, but it's well worth it. You will no longer be looked at as a "wimpy" type person. You'll be seen as a very respectable person! And I'm think it will help with problems with your Mom. At least I hope -- I'm not really sure I understand what THOSE problems are.

I don't think you're being unreasonable. I just don't think your T understands. I wish you the very best, my friend. Let us know what happens, ok? This might be hard to do AT FIRST -- but don't give up! When I did it, it was hard the FIRST time, but after I did it, it got easier & easier. You see, I had to confront my abusive husband. After I did that, I felt SO much better, and even divorced him! LOL God bless you and please take care. Hugs, Lee