My sister is always the center of attention in my family!

[Anonymous]

I love my older sister to death and I feel bad saying this, but my sister is always the center of attention in my family! It is so annoying! I have always lived in her shadow and I am so sick of it. Especially when we go on family vacations and see extended family she is always the center of attention. Everyone just loves her. Even when my sister is quiet she is STILL center of attention. She's funny, brilliant, beautiful, and all that other good stuff. I have told my sister and my mom but she is like no she's not, but my brother agrees that she is but it doesn't bother her. She is the poster child... What can I do to get noticed by my family? Thanks for the help!

[Ugliness]

Oh man this really bites. Sorry I can't help. I can only relate with a small variation.

I'm the oldest of two boys. Boys? Can I still use that term? But I had a disability since birth.

My brother was easiest to deal with and he never had the issues that I've had with growing up.

I guess my family in general liked that and they showed continual favouritism towards him.

Oh when I brought this up my parents denied it but after I met my significant other, she sees my family the way that I see them: looking down on me as second class. Defective. Helping him get a driver's license and getting him braces are two of the big things I'm forever envious about.

And everybody just loves their son and daughter. My own daughter is practically dead to them for all intents and purposes.

So you see, I can relate. But I haven't found a solution either. I pretty well avoid my family. The last time I came across dad he dropped the news flash that grandma (my only living grandparent) was admitted to a nursing home (with slowly progressing Alzheimer's but I knew that much already). I made the 100 mile trek by train and bus to see her. She was able to remember me - for now - and seemed glad to see me. Perhaps the only relative who is. But I'm sure daddy-o will be pissed off learning that I made the visit and didn't bother to consult him.

That's part of why I only have one child. Although she's being a little BRAT today I didn't want more than one and run the risk of playing favourites myself.

[Asker]

I'm sorry! It's awful isn't it? I can relate to you too about you're grandmother, mine is developing Alzheimer's too, just got back from visiting her in KC. Except my grandmother was never really there for me, she always made digs at me and would call me horrible thing, she treated me like 2nd class. I told my councilor about it, he is just beside himself with it because he thinks I am a great kid. My other brothers and sisters favor her too, like one of my brothers was like "I want to sit next

[Anonymous]

Kill a few innocents, run over people and a few more crimes. Then you'll get noticed.

(not by the good way)

[Anonymous]

yeah I feel ya. honestly, that's really nothing you can do but realize that you're you and shes's you. qualities you have, she doesn't have. learn to love y ourself

[Asker]

I know, it just hurts, but life goes on...