MustangGal, there's only so much you can do, and it sounds like you've done more than enough. It's time to live your OWN life and reduce your contact with your family - it seems that any interaction with them is causing you great distress.

I would recommend cutting all financial assistance, offers of work, etc to this kid and anyone else who has taken advantage of you. Then you need to sit down and make a list of what IS good in your life. Write about what makes you happy, and then try to move in that direction.

Your family will still contact you to complain, and yes, they will probably still gossip about you. But YOU know what is right and you need to hold your head up and get on with your life. The people they gossip to either are not your friends in the first place (so why do you care?) or they see the source of gossip and disregard it.

I'm sure it's very frustrating watching your parents continue on this path, but again, it's their life and their money and they can do what they please.

We're here - this whole group of women - and we support you!

K