Dear Mom,

You really hurt me tonight. More than you have in a long time. I know I didn't turn out the way you hoped I would, and I'm sorry that you feel I've let you down. I'm tired of you openly expressing your disappointment in my lifestyle in front of our friends and family, and telling me that my "bleeding-heart liberal" phase will pass soon. You need to accept that this is the life I've chosen for myself and I'm not going back. I don't expect you to agree with my moral decisions, and I'm not asking for your love. You don't even need to support me if you can't bring yourself to do so. All I ask for is your respect.