With all due respect to your stepmother, your most valuable relationship is with yourself. You must always do what is best for your own well being. That doesn't mean that you don't ever consider others, but, in the end, you must take care of yourself first. It's like the analogy many use...on an airplane, when they give instructions for using the oxygen masks. They always say to put on your own mask first before helping anyone else. It's certainly something to think about.