Why does my family rely on me so much? It's driving me crazy!?

It was the same situation with me. I finally got REALLY tired of it and just started saying NO. Even family will walk all over you if you won't stand up for yourself.

Just tell them that you have plans and leave it at that. There is no need to explain what those plans are. When you refuse to explain yourself to your family, they eventually get the hint.

Don't play into the guilt trips either. They might stop calling you for a while, but eventually they will call just to see about YOU.

If you are brave enough to deal with the fallout, just tell them that you have a life to live and can not meet every need that they have. Again, you'll get the silent treatment for a while, but maybe that will be a relief.

You are right about one thing, you are single and working. but dont feel guilty about what you are doing. you want to have a life of your own and they cant see that. it seems like they want you to do what they want you to do forever. i dont think they want to see you happy. once you realize you had enough, it will be too late to get away and you will be stuck in the middle for the rest of your life. your self esteem will drop alot. and you will lose focus of your dreams and goals. stay strong and get stronger and walk away. they will then realize how much you really meant to them.

The only way for you to resolve your problem is to talk to your family. Give them your sentiments. I share your problem since I'm the eldest. They all rely on me. My parents told me that since I'm the eldest I'm considered the "3rd parent". I talked to them.. I need my own time, I need to do my own activities... and fortunately, they understood me. I explained it in a pleasant way that would make them think I am not abandoning them. Try it... it made my life more comfortable and happy!

Because you have shown them that they can. You are either scared or feel quilty to not give into the. Look at it this way. As long as you allow them to do so, why would they stop doing it? They would be kind of stupid to take on things when they can get you to do it.

That is so nice of you...who loved her family so much and even extending to the family of her brothers and sisters...theres no way for you to escape..its part of our obligation though theres no contract in it, but we felt obliged because we loved them...You should find yourself a BF so that they will feel and realize your needs. Let them see and feel that you've got someone to love other than them (your family)..Introduce him to your family and get plans for marriage to have a family of your own.

family can be like drugs....just say no....