Ex-Catholic with family issues...

[left on green only]

2. I am from an Italian family as well.

Only the damning issue for me in my family was my decision not to procreate.

From what you have already said, it sounds like you have realized that they are never going to change you, nor you change them. I think that is the good sign of a healthy and mature attitude on your part, but apparently the rest of your family is not so enlightened.

It would seem to me that in your case, you have two options. The first is that in exchange for having the security of the support of your family unit, you can learn how to steel yourself against the onslaught of their disapproval of you, or you can choose the second option of telling your entire family that you no longer care to associate with them. But choosing the second option comes with a set of terms that you will have to learn how to overcome. Namely, that you are very likely to lose a support network that may serve to buoy you in times of need or distress.

For me, it meant cutting myself out of my family inheritance. Oh well, cie la vie. (That's what I tell the parking lot attendants when I do my shopping at Walmart).

Rick