I am welcomed, always, with warmth, food, and laughter, but there is a politeness to it. It’s a subtle sense that I am now a guest.

I'm not saying it's your situation, but in may cases, those who stay, are somehow jealous pf those who left and have a better or a different life and are treated with coldness and many times comes meanness too. In bigger cities no one cares, people come from all over the place and are busy with their lives, but in small communities things are different.

I don't see why you should feel guilty about anything, you only have one life and you should live it as you please, and definitely not let others make you feel guilty about it. I don't see why you should live like they would want you to.