My abuser is my brother. It's very hard when I go over to my folks house or attend any type of family gathering, whether it be a birthday or a holiday. No one really has a clue how affected I am by the years of abuse. I'd like to be at those functions because it's my family and I also have two adorable nephews I enjoy seeing, but my brother finds his ways to push my buttons (he gives me dirty looks) and finds any way possible to get under my skin. It causes so much anxiety and stress for me. Though I have to roll with it because I hate causing conflict and I've said and done everything possible to make it known to my family (ie: setting boundaries)---it's exhausting and it seems all effort is shot. Thankfully, I have learned some helpful skills from the assistance of a truly amazing therapist who has stuck by me since day 1.