The best thing..
Amongst other things...

My Mum, took me back into her tiny overcrowded house when I finally left an abusive relationship.
My Mum also fitted my conservatory with a new roof, and took my shed to bits, painted it and then reassembled it, replete with new roof felt.
My Mum has also dragged me out of the house and looked after me when my struggle with depression threatens to beat me, and took me and the little sparklers on holiday many times..

My Mum has given me an impossible Role Model to live up to, and when I'm feeling spectacularly selfish (part of my illness) I could swear she does this on purpose.

Now, my Mum used to be quite horrid to me at times when I was little Sparklet, above the call of parental duty.. this could keep experts busy for years.. This leaves me with the feeling that my Mum knocks herself out looking after me in spite of how she feels about me..Just imagine doing all that for someone you didn't really like all that much? Either way, it's been one hell of a huge apology, and I still love my Mum loads because of it..
(Beer Elf Thought this was like a campfire, anyhow, on, Sat 4 Oct 2008, 17:18, 2 replies)

You don't do things like that for someone you don't like...
For instance, my dad yells at me a lot and when I'm not there turns on my brother. But he loves us both very much. I think he just likes to vent anger...
( vix0r was not Matthew on, Sat 4 Oct 2008, 23:11, closed)

Au contraire
It is quite possible to love someone, while not actually likeing them at the same time.

The one is a bizarre, irrational emotional attachment, the other is more of a considered judgement regarding someone's standing and worth.
(apologies_for_length, Sun 5 Oct 2008, 1:31, closed)