Bravo! I am so happy that you are sharing this! Family dysfunction is so painful and I feel it more intensely during the holidays. It is so encouraging and supportive that you are giving us "permission" to care for ourselves and have strong boundaries within toxic family situations. By permission, I mean validation. And we need to hear others say it's okay to not like or participate in the destructive toxicity.

I have been no contact with my family. And the tactics of guilt, shame and pressure that they mount against me is in itself difficult to withstand. Most people I know are against me and take sides with the "influential" family members to urge me to get back in line. It is an unspoken crime to break away from family. So, this is in part, why I am so grateful that you are speaking so boldly about self-care. I so resonate with what you are saying. Great article!