just another quick thing ...

Nobody defines you but you. People generally get that idea when it comes to the rest of the world, but for some reason they don't seem to think it applies to their family as well. Yes, they gave you life and raised you and you share a lot of the same DNA and blood is thicker than water and all that ... But NOBODY -- not your neighbours, not your friends, not EVEN your family -- gets to tell you that you're a failure. They don't get to put you down. They don't get to decide what kind of person you'll turn out to be -- that is all you. You, and YOUR choices, and YOUR life which you are free to live however YOU like. Familial obligations are tough, but they are not all-encompasing. You are still your own person with your own life and your own ideas, even if your family thinks otherwise. Sometimes, it just takes a little bit of perseverence to make that clear to them -- and to yourself. But you're worth it and nobody gets to tell you otherwise. ABSOLUTELY NOBODY.