I feel like it took me forever to figure it out, too. I also always knew that my father was a bad seed, but I had never realized just how much effect my mother's martyrdom had. Was your mother that way too?

I have an extremely difficult time figuring out where appropriate boundaries are in social relationships. I have the feeling that I spend a lot more time worrying about whether or not I am being selfish or taken advantage of than other people do.

I also feel like I am sending out some signals that draw these people towards me. Here's one theory I'm considering right now. I tend to be quiet and shy in group situations. I might talk to the person sitting next to me, but for the most part I wait for people to approach me as opposed to joining in conversations on my own. I think that makes me a prime target for people who are looking for someone to listen to them. I'm trying to be more proactive about initiating conversations with other people.

Do you all find that you have this problem with friendships also or is it limited to romantic relationships?