>It's almost like we are blackmailed into doing the wrong things all the time (on different levels of "importance").

This right here is one of the main reasons why I've worked so hard to achieve financial independence.

Every time someone in my life has told me that I have to do something I'm uncomfortable with, 'or else', they've simply been trying to cover the fact that I'm being exploited. Every. Time.

I'm quite happy to have reached a place in my life where I can tell someone 'No' with whatever level of politeness they deserve.