"Ain't No Body's Business If I Do"

You're right daechardt. No one can live your life for you, even if they have the best of intentions. I made that mistake with our daughter. I realized much too late that she was an individual with her own mind. She has to do what she thinks is best for her. It took me a while to see that.
More people (family members) should try to realize that. As long as you have a good education, enough knowledge on any particular subject and think you are making the best decision for yourself, you shouldn't worry about answering why you do anything you do. No interference needed.

I know that I should not let others step all over me, but how do I get that point across to them. I think the best thing I can do is not live with them and only occasionally communicate with them. That way I can feel like I am in control. Thanks for the comment.

Well, there are two trains of thought. You can either show them a side of you they never thought you had by telling them how you feel or, as you said, live away from them. I've done both. They don't like you when you tell them the truth; they don't like you when you live on your own. There's always going to be someone who wants to tell you how to live your life.
I decided I'm not responsible for what they think...or say. I do what is best for me and mine. When they start buying my clothes, feeding me and paying my bills, they can tell me what to do. Until then, I'm going to do what is best for me.

I hope that I can be that strong should the need arise. I have often wondered how I can force myself to tell others that I am going to live my own life. I feel guilty any time I do. After being told what to do all my life I am ready to go on my own. I continued my education (people told me I was wasting my time doing a second bachelor's degree especially since I already had a master's degree) and now I am working on a PhD. Now I just need to convince myself that I can do this.

The liberating time will probably come when you least expect it daeckardt. Mine did. And I must say, it took me by complete surprise, but really changed my outlook on things.

I think I understand hairdresser. In time, maybe.....
Until then, keep a stiff upper lip and all that rot......lol
Honestly, I use to be there.

Yes terilee I do and will but my lip is smiling most of the time not too stiff ahahahha (((terilee))) Oh I know you been there done that,,,and I know you understand too dear friend

Amen Rozie. Amen.....I wonder sometimes how people get by without Him. I sure can't.