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There is a definate frustration in him that his Mother makes it all about her, she hasnt worked in years as is now disabled and suffering from depression, so when he is in trouble, it becomes more about her than him. His sister is by no means a high flyer, but is percieved as the good one, although a tearaway when younger, her previous crimes have been forgiven as they pale into insignificance compared to that of her brothers. This young man, on a good day, is funny, kind, savvy, loyal to his friends. But can provoke phenominal adverse reactions from the people around him.
Where do you draw the line though? He has to take some responsibilty himself, if you could see where he lived, he has wanted for nothing, is totally loved by his mother and sister, and has been supported all the way. His parents have tried the tough love approach, the positive re-enforcement approach (in that they only focus on the good things he does and down play the bad) and the leave him to his own devices approach. None of which seem to work.
Personally, there are times when I see him as manipulative and hard faced, then he bowls me over with something that shows underlying strength of character and a lovely personality but emotional difficulties.