For years I have experienced painful family relations and that was through my mother and her siblings. I always understood the abuse they endured growing up and appreciated where their crazy behaviors came from, but as an adult with a family of my own I am just not willing to deal with it any longer. It is such an unhealthy way to live and life is too darn short.

I have found over the years that the happiness that I should have gotten through family relationships was actually achieved through my friendships. I am very lucky that the people I have surrounded myself with have been wonderful.