Hey, I can't believe it took me so long to reply to this. I've been thinking a lot about what you said, and I guess it felt like i already replied because it's been going around in my head.

The problem isn't just one-sided. I mean, I bag my parents and their psycho reactions but I'm just...helpless without them. For all their faults when it comes to dealing with me on an emotional basis, they're exemplary when it comes to providing for me- you know, food on the table, roof over head, that kind of thing. I just- don't know how to survive without them. I've grown up so sheltered that I really have no idea how to do this on my own and it's so sick, but I'm stuck in a rut because as much as I hate our relationship sometimes, I think I'd sink if I tried to go out on my own. I'm super-dependent, it's very sad, especially in Australia where kids at 16 or 17 are leaving home and renting their own places. *sighs*

I do love your 'dog' analogy. It's so apt.