Sometimes I think I could write a book about the emotional blackmail my aunts subjected us to--in a completely humorous way, of course. EB is really difficult to handle especially when it comes from our "loved ones". It is amazing how they are able to have a grip on our most vulnerable selves and this happens slowly, steadily without us even being aware of it. Ironically, we even feel more loved in the influence of that emotional blackmail....until we realize what is happening. That so-called space of love starts to become claustrophobic. When we want out, we struggle to find the strength to walk away. I handled the EB by distancing myself - via a job transfer. Long-distance EB was easier to handle giving me space to take a breath.

Thanks for a wonderful article. We never want to talk about these things, do we? So sad that most "loving" relationships tend to be rampant with EB.