Just remember, it's almost all in the psychology of it! If
things don't go well tonight - and they might not even if
you do everything right - take out some books on the
psychology of discussions and debates. You'll learn a LOT
and it will help you in other ways too.

The big key - the winning factor - is in controlling your
responses to a T. Your mother (or anyone close to you, for
that matter) will know exactly how to pull your strings and
you have to try as hard as you can to stop producing the
negative reactions she's looking for.

Nothing but calm. Quiet. Statements only. No accusations.
If she flies out of control and you think you feel yourself
doing the same, stay *silent* until you are back in control
of yourself again. (Trust me, if she flies off the handle,
she probably won't notice you're not saying anything.)

Your other most valuable player in this is your dad. Remember,
even if he is not officially "on your side", he still might
not agree with your mother either. The trick is to involve
him in the arguement as LITTLE as possible. If you involve
him in the actual argument, he will likely side with your
mother (you're their baby, but they've known each other
longer). Try to leave him as a bystander as you're talking
to your mom and then go back to him privately later when
things are cooler again. Then you can discuss with him some
of the things that were said and how *you* felt about them.
(Say nothing negative about your mother!! Remember the "I
statements" - you need them here too.) Do NOT ask him to
intercede for you. . . Inevitably your mom will bring up
the topic with him and he will feel free to speak "his"
mind (into which you have planted your own feelings ^_~)
because you're not present. See, if you ask him to
intercede, then he's speaking for you, if you guide his
thoughts on the topic *without* asking him to intercede,
then he will be speaking for himself and will be more
willing to hold his ground.

(*E-HUGS*) Let us know how it all comes out! I'm glad this
might have helped some. ^_^

Many Sharp Smiles,
--Drac