Your mom sounds like a really loving, understanding, and caring lady.

I think your honesty and respect for her when discussing these issues with her also reinforces that kind of reaction. I think like most parents, they would rather their kids be honest with them even if they dont like what they are doing, then lying and sneaking around, and distancing themselves.

It must be so nice to know you have a soft place to fall, and its so great to see that you appreciate your mother and the effort she is making.