I used to, but I grew up in a house where privacy was a thing that existed in stories, only for other people. Me and my brothers had our rooms regularly searched, and our phone calls eavesdropped on. My parents weren’t secret about it, except when they tried to be, but we knew all the signs and so knew when to keep our mouths shut, and we also got really good at hiding things.

It’s taken decades for me to adjust to the idea that my spouse doesn’t (and won’t) go through my stuff (and yes, this is something I’ve tested him on without his knowledge).

I’m old, I guess. And these are just the cars that I’ve considered as mine. I’ve owned more, lol

Boy, his name is Fynn. Last one was a girl (Ingrid), the one before that was non-binary, before that was a girl (Stella), before that was non-binary, before that was a boy. I’m probably missing a few though.

German: sounds like “vay”

Definitely not that cold today. It was maybe 60F (15C). Puppers was just fine, though those snow boots made for some awkward waddling when I went to say hello. Funniest shit I’ve seen all week!

I didn’t know my roommates when I first moved in with them. I found a listing for “roommate wanted” and “student housing” in an area not too far away from the university, far enough that transportation would be needed to get there (meaning much cheaper rent), but still considered to be in the greater general area. I wasn’t a student, but that didn’t matter. And the friends I made when I moved in became my lifeline.

I was in a similar sounding situation to what you’ve described, and I promise you, it will get easier. I doubt things will ever be actually easy, but think about how boring life would be if we didn’t have to struggle a little and get creative, hey? It helps to break down these larger problems into smaller pieces, if possible. They’re more manageable that way.

A tub shroom is worth a 100 drain weasels

Sounds to me like you could use a good therapist. I know you said you’ve already tried that, but you can try a different therapist if the one you have isn’t working. A good therapist will be able to help you to successfully break away from toxic people (including toxic family members), and also help you to stabilize in your new toxic-person-free life.

Medication can help with the depression, speak to your doctor about what options are available to you.

As for becoming more independent, you need employment that pays enough to cover your bills. If this is not available to you, then think about what you can do to lower your cost of living? Can you move in with a friend? Or get a roommate?

When I first moved out, I rented a house with some people I didn’t know, and ended up becoming lifelong friends with two of them. Renting a room in a house was a better option for me as it was cheaper to do this than to rent an apartment on my own, I got access to more living space (and a backyard-and going outside does wonders for mental health), and because I had roommates who were already set up in the house, the only “stuff” I needed to provide for myself was my own bedroom furniture. It worked really well as an in between step in my own path to independence. Maybe this is also an option for you.

Probably a unique blend of drugged-up-billionaire-meets-autism. But yeah, the dude is definitely odd

So true. English is a bastard language, a bully in a trench coat stealing words from all the other languages. That’s what makes it so confusing to learn/read/use but also fun to use

Most of us who are native English speakers haven’t mastered it either, so you’re not alone

Aka social engineering

We can’t choose our blood, but we can choose our family. I’m sorry yours is being shitty to you.

If this is newish behavior, then you may want to consider distancing yourself from them, give them time to come to their senses.

If this is just more of the same-old, same-old from them, then it might be time to consider making your own family. By that I mean being selective about who you keep and who you cull.

You are not required to keep in contact with horrible people, just because you happen to be related. There are plenty of other people out there who are worthy of your time and respect.