@Faith-and-Hope I love those ideas for processing emotions about negative interactions or difficult relationships.  The box idea is probably a bit craft for me, but I really love the layered approach, and I will find ways of integrating the importance of layers in my thinking, beyond the old peeling back the onion trope.

Dear @Snowie hearing you about the difficulties of dealing with your mother.  There is an unwritten law that if you are living with rellies you pay respect.  I also do not believe that there is nothing she can afford.  I have lived on a very restricted income most of my life, and I know there are ways to make it work.  Maybe you can motivate her to adjust the fit of the coat to the size of the cloth or whatever ... it is ... a tiny studio apartment could be lovely and less housework ... she can start saving now... for a bond or a deposit.  Anyway, that is my twopence worth.  My mother was very toxic and I unfortunately let her in too close and am still paying for it and my children will pay for it for years to come  Just the way the dynamics played out. Take care with it.

Love to you @Zoe7 @Eve7 @Shaz51 and all following along who   need it.