Jeri, Your post was both constructive and insightful...that being said, these family dynamics, are the trickle down effect from the ambiance in the home, created by the interaction, and exploited by all the 'players' whose priorities are their 'comfort zone', and doing as much to have that 'zone' met by others, through expectations, rather than extending OUT of their comfort zone, to meet the NEEDS of anyone's but their own...that, in turn, foments a 'sense of entitlement'...and to meet that sense, manipulations through emotions, disappointment and fear of disillusionment, leaves a gaping hole in the confidence, for taking responsibility.

I found this a wonderfully entertaining, revealing thread on the subject When you get to the first page, scroll to the bottom, and work up.

Can you see a 'sense of entitlement' vs. the emotional needs of a woman, at play here.....just wondering...

Keeping it constructive.....(we can all learn and benefit)

GfS