Liz,
First of all, you have my profound sympathy. Rejection by family is no fun. For whatever it is worth, I just checked, and Ps 27:10
still says, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me (or "take me up").", so you ARE in good hands. WILL pray for you, too, of course.
Secondly, I recently learned a greeeeat tool for dealing with unpleasant people. I hereby pass it on to you free of charge.
First you memorize 3 phrases which you can say with a chuckle:
** Opinions vary
** Time will tell
** No, thank you.
There are three additional options, but they MUST be said in a very empathetic tone:
** I know
** Probably so
** Nice Try!
Second, when tirades start, you just go brain dead, except to trot out whichever one of these fits their most recent eruption. Think about it -- there just isn't too much that can be said for which one of these isn't a polite response, but doesn't engage you in the controversy.
More importantly, they don't require YOU to think much at all. The other person is going nuts trying to get you to fight, but YOU can just keep spouting these few phrases ALL DAY LONG, 'til THEY get tired and quit in frustration!
YOU will have been courteous and non-threatening without giving one inch of ground, while THEY will have evidenced another spirit entirely without gaining an iota. Pretty positive outcome from your point of view, right? Plus, you'll probably still be calm or possibly even AMUSED inside, once you've seen how well it works. I heard of one mom who tattoed them on her fingers. Said they got her kids through their teen years alive! :lol:
Don't be surprised if the conversation ends much like this:
"Can't you say ANYTHING ELSE?" :evil:
"Time will tell."
"Aaaaaaaaargh!" :twisted:
