Luna, family is who you make it. I refuse to be tied to people who may have my same blood, but also could care less about me. Family is the people who truly care about you and are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to make you happy and healthy. You may not be the most sociable person in the world but a close friend will not think about how well you would do in a popularity contest. They will look at your heart.

Don't sell yourself short. Get out and meet people at work, in classes, at the park, local bars, restaurants, and events. Be careful not to trust shady or slick people, but be open to meet good people. If your mother wants to be taken advantage of by your stepfather or your sister and her GF, that's o.k. Its your mother's life and you cannot control her life. Let her live her life the way she wants to, for better or for worse. Just take care of yourself and have a positive attitude. very best --EJ

I know.....everyone tells me to just make friends, but I have such horrible social anxiety. I've been betrayed so much. I've become really distant from people and forming new bonds is incredibly hard. Even people I've managed to be "friends" with I regard with an air of suspicion, as if events could happen again when I least suspect it. I truly find it hard to trust. I wish I could just go make friends.

try the DS site for anxiety first and get to know people with similar anxieties. They should have some helpful tips for you and then reach out in your neighborhood and social areas. http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Anxiety/support-group

Good luck to you! --EJ