[btb87]

Soror ST,

I have intentionally not read much from this particular thread, but felt like I had to respond when I saw what you posted.

Unfortunately, sometimes family think that just because they're family, that gives them the right to say whatever is on their minds. Now just because they can and DO say whatever's on their minds, doesn't make it right. You would do the same thing with a child that good mothers do: love it, nurture it and help it to become the person that it will be.

I would rather see you in the state you're in now than married and miserable. Same goes for many of my other Sorors and Sisterfriends who have posted here. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be married - when your marriage is good, it's great; but when it's not good, it's awful (hope that wasn't too confusing). Better to be by yourself and lonely than married and lonely. Take it from someone who knows.

Don't allow those little seeds that have been placed by your family, friends, etc. to take root in your brain and grow. If nobody else has good things to say about you, then you say good things to yourself! Encourage yourself!

I know it's hard, but try not to be moved or swayed by things that you see (I keep telling myself this too, so I"m preaching to me as well) because everything isn't always the way it seems.

I'm done now. . .