Dear Abby: Mother regrets choices that impacted daughters' lives

A mother recounts her 15-year abusive relationship that negatively impacted her two daughters, leading them to leave home early, struggle with substance abuse, drop out of school, and have children at young ages. She expresses deep regret and emotional pain, while Dear Abby advises seeking help from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. A separate query involves a niece whose boyfriend avoids meeting her family despite knowing his family.