I never base a character on someone I know. You can get ideas from real life, but every character you write is some aspect of yourself.
The difference is that was then, this is now.
I like having a private name and a public name. It helps keep things straight.
If you enjoy reading something, read it.
My mother was physically and emotionally abusive. My father was an extremely cold man.
Some are going, some are staying....i'm in between.