I can't really blame my parents, (I've never seen them figh, only civil arguement) except that if there was a fight, we never talked it out.
My siblings all treat me like the black sheep. I guess it's because I went military out of highschool, then worked blue collar several years before going to college. Now, I only have a bachelors degree, when all have there masters, and one is a PhD with his JD. I have not had much published, either.
The fact I drink (quit a month ago) smoke cigarettes and have a heavy-duty temper are also contributing factors.
When we get together, it's always in hotels or disney so we can escape when necessary.
Sorry this is late--I was putting my kids to bed. :)
I think I know what you mean, I don't really blame my parents; they did the best they could. I really don't fault them--we all do the best we can with what we're given.
Maybe I shouldn't say this on a public forum, but the reality is, for me and my sister, our mother was just not there. She drank, and was depressed. I only told my mother I had my period when I was fifteen years old--I got it at age twelve--and that was only because she was getting ready to bring me to the gynecologist.
My sister (she's younger) looked to me as a mother figure, and I think that even today, if I can't be the ideal that she wants, she gets mad.
And as for competition between siblings--oh boy. I was the "smart one" and my sister was the "pretty one." She developed anorexia in high school and even today, when I'm a housewife and she's got two Master's degrees and has a high profile job in government, she still feels inadequate, like she wants to be the "smart one."
Oddly enough, I try to look my best and it's almost like she's deliberately frumpy in her middle age, LOL!
It's a shame your siblings treat you like that--it sounds to me like you've lived your life in a way you can be proud of. It's admirable, to me, to join the military and then actually work and get an idea of the real world, before going into college.
p.s., I love the idea of a hotel or disney. :) It's kind of like the "In case of emergency" fire switch, LOL!
And, best of luck with pursuing a healthier lifestyle. You'll be in my prayers.
You sound like a wonderful person. I'm a black sheep also. We can't let the turkeys get us down. The hotels idea is a good one!
Congrats on that!