The hot seat is, well "hot" - but actually much less so than I expected. The natives here have been very gracious, and I'm honestly grateful for the discussion. Regarding your post: I do see a lot of similarities between your BIL's/sister's sitch and my husbands/mine. For example, he had numerous job opportunities which would have greatly advanced his carreer, but would have required them to relocate - not to the end of the earth, just a state away. She refused to budge, even though she was a stay-at-home mom. She "liked it better where she was."
Quote: I've never been a black and white person. I've always seen a zillion shades of gray. I really won't become someone who sees most of life's issues in black and white either. I'm a much more compassionate person now that I know it's good for me. And I dislike labels just as much.
This is the key, I think - trying to become a compassionate person, being aware of the shades of grey, and strive to become the best person you, yourself, can possibly be. After all, ourselves are the only ones we truely have any control over.
Betsey, I appreciate your patience in letting me be a squatter on your thread, but I don't want all of this to distract from you and Mr W - and I'll post something re: your latest encounter later. :-)
