Thanks for posting, puckyjan. I hope you do keep it up. I read each and every one, and I'm sure I'm not alone. As for pessimism, I am that way also, but I'm happy about it: Either I'm proven right, or happily surprised.

Try telling your sisters that you appreciate their concern, but that being treated that way bothers you. I've said it before - it's nearly impossible for the unafflicted to truly know what's going on with us. We either have to educate them, or else come to grips with the consequences. I'm all for education, by the way, cause I can't come to grips for crap.

If all else fails, print out this thread, and the others you started, and give it to them. It's really tough to talk to our loved ones about our feelings, and sometimes if they can observe you telling someone else, it can be enlightening.

*hug* - I hope you keep posting; you're in my thoughts.