First of all I think you need some serious hugs here

Oh I am so sorry you had to deal with that low life Attorney that tried to push your buttons in court. I am also sorry that your boss blew you off and didn't even take the time to at least validate you and commend you for standing your ground. My guess is that you probably come off being a lot stronger
than you really are and while you "are" competent and you "do" care, you absorb and other people don't see that. That is why the fibro is acting up, that is from your absorbing even though you don't want that to happen.
I get that way too, I could not have a real message, it would hurt too much, my muscles feel like they are badly bruised when they are touched.

I am also sorry that you have a friend that is so unpredictable and can't keep
a commitment, that is very frustrating, have you ever talked to her/him about it? Well, I can tell you that you are not the only one that deals with people like this, after my many years of working at so many parties, I can tell you lots of people fail to show up even when they have committed to it. I have felt bad for so many people who spent so much time making food and having entertainment only to have people not show or show up very late.

Well, maybe it's time for you to make other plans because you know "you" show up.

As far as your boss brushing you off, well, usually when people do that it is because they don't know "how to react or what to say". People are much more closed off these days Liz, it isn't you. Also people don't like confrontation so they often bail out in whatever way they can. I am very sorry you were put into that position because I know you are a professional and you truly care. It is sad now because of how people don't stand up anymore. People are just too afraid of losing their jobs somehow so they put their heads down and yes, even blow people off sadly.

Can you take a nice hot bath and give yourself time to relax and let go for the holidays? Just let things flow along if you can.

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OE