That is SO true… for whatever reason my sister and I were treated tougher and with more discipline (not abusive - well, borderline with my mom), while our brothers got to do whatever they wanted and rarely got in trouble.
Guess who in my family had the hardest time in the real world?
My brothers have had a difficult time keeping jobs, relationships, and managing money. My sister and I ended up much more responsible and ethical. Both of us handle money better too. So, all in all, I am thankful my parents were as tough on me as they were.
That’s what I observed, Lil.
The kids who were spared of hurt feelings, having to stay in and clean their rooms, sit down and be quiet when adults were speaking, etc. All of them grew into spoiled, entitled adults who melt down if something actually doesn’t go their way. They expected to be fawned over for doing what a good kid was supposed to do.
It was the kids who had to suffer through some difficulties and hardships that rose up and made good lives for themselves. Not without some healing and growing, but they did it. Also, and I can’t stress this enough, they were the ones who cared about the feelings of others. They were the ones with empathy. They were the ones to help. The other ones were so immersed in their own self-induced problems, and whining about how life isn’t fair, that nobody would even dream of going to them for help or understanding. Absolutely useless to humanity.
My mother was a narcissist - a real one, a personality disorder, not just selfish.
Anyway my sister The Golden Child had a hard time dealing with life. Not everybody treated her like she walked on water, like mom did. She was married several times, lots of migraines, etc.
My other sister and I had a lot easier time in adulthood even though our childhood was hell.