I have been reading all the posts to this. Wow what a reality check you all have given me. I've read in different post about no self esteem, and basically giving and getting nothing in return. That's the situtation I'm in now. I've given in for 18 years and not getting in return. Self esteem...what's that? I haven't seen that in years. I have found though at times I have turned very bitter and angry. But does that make me do what I need to do for me? Nope I still keep giving and giving and getting nothing in return. I know that only I can change my life, but getting the courage to do so is alot harder than it sounds. I do think we get to a point where it almost seems normal to be treated like this because we have forgotten what it was like to treated good, and to have that self esteem we once had. And like me I have 2 teenage daughters who I preach to constantly about "don't let anyone break you down", " stand up for what you know is right" and the one I use the most "do not be anyone's doormat" but I know it's hard for them to understand me saying this to them when they see me be "the doormat" everyday. I think this is a very good topic and one that I hope all younger members see and take to heart.