BLOOD BS: When Is Enough, Enough?

After every family gathering or any contact with the majority of his family members, Ahmad is drained, angry, nauseated, frustrated and sometimes, in tears. While he accomplishes his life goals, Family stays mired in drama, always in crisis expecting Ahmad to put out the fires. Despite their dependence on him, they criticize him as stuck up and phony. His belief system says he must endure this because “blood is thicker than water”.

Family members who borrow but do not repay. Those who always bring the drama. The mean spirited, wet blanket ones; the ones who are always upset and angry. The back stabbers. The users and takers. When is it a matter of differing personalities or toxic Energy Vampire traits? How does your BS tie you to family? Is it OK to stay entangled with people who drain and deplete you?