Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for your replies!

SnakeCharmer: yes, you're quite right. I lost my sense of perspective and jumped ahead. I think that you're right, I should simply view this as a discussion between two adults. When speaking with my parental family this might be a good technique to try to maintain a healthy distance.

Rose3: sure, that makes sense. I think that this feeling of guilt that we experience if we don't please our parents is one of the ways in which they exert their control. I guess I've lost sight of what is reasonable to expect.

Mr. Michael: I think that's excellent advice. I will make a list of the kinds of things that I'm happy to do and be clear where my boundaries lie.