My family make me feel like some sort of freak, help?

Question

It's getting more regular and more serious for my family to be discussing my life and what i should and shouldn't be doing.

I guess in a way i'm a bit of a loner, compared to my older sister. I'm fine with making new friends, but i'd just rather keep myself to myself. Whilst my sister goes out allot with different friends, different boyfriends and is very social. I've never really had a real boyfriend, as i've never been interested in someone enough, i've had 2 but i couldn't take them seriously enough. And i find it hard introducing boys to my family. This causes my family to insult me, tell me i need to get out more, see friends and do something.

I also feel very sensitive and insecure at times, i'm really looking forwards to starting college in september to do horse management. My sister has gone into social work and her job is much more "realistic" than me wanting to work with horses. No one in my family will take me seriously and it's hard with the lack of support. It's like my whole life is just some big joke towards them.

But i can't change the way i am. I'm a friendly enough person, but i'll always be someone who prefers to keep themselves to themselves.

But how do i go about it when my family make personal attacks and make me feel uncomfortable with being who i am? Is it unhealthy for me to want to spend so much time on my own?

I'm finding life very confusing, i'm only 17 but i don't think it's the fact that i'm a "teenager" which is the cause for me being so confused, as i've always been a deep thinker and i find it hard to compare with many people.

Answer 1

wAtS tHe FrEaKiN qUeStIoN??? O.o?!?!?!?!?!?!?

  

Answer 2

do what you feel is best for you. your parents don't  need to run your life. i hate most people i like being alone most of the time though i love being around kids and animals which make some people think i am weird also. i would just continue to do things the way you feel comfortable and work with the horses id love to do that. that's my advice

Answer 3

Just try to do what makes you happy, don't worry about your sister at the end of the day you will come off better, do what pleases you and i'm sure you will be great at your horse management. You sound like a really nice person!!

Answer 4

You know that your parents are only concerned for your welfare however poorly they may communicate it.  Comparisons to your older sis are natural even if inappropriate.  You're entering the time when you become responsible for you life.  Your choice of a career which doesn't involve many humans is something you can live with or not.  But the choice is yours with or without family approval.  You can change a year, 10 years or 20 years from now as you like.  Reinventing yourself is part of the way the world works.  So grab your future and get on with it.  Good Luck

Answer 5

I can relate when it comes to that. I'd rather be at home in my room reading than out partying like a teenager. My family calls me boring because of my refusal to communicate with others at social events. My mother constantly worries that I'm not social enough.

Its frustrating, I understand. I'm an only child so I don't know if that has something to do with it.

I just don't think I have to be a social butterfly to please people. It's nice to have friends--I have friends that I love to talk to but its just not a 24 hour socializing affair for me.

I guess family just worries because they don't want you to leave for college and have to go through life alone, not opening yourself to new experiences. They just don't really understand you that well.

At 17, you have a long life ahead of you to do all those things. The same way you wrote this question is how you should explain yourself to your family. I find it easy to understand where your coming from, they should too. Follow your own dreams and wants, you have a passion for what you've chosen to pursue. When you excel at it, they will be proud because they love you.  

Answer 6

Hun, you should always follow your heart, it's your life not your families. Getting support from your parents is always a big plus but, if you don't have it you should still follow your dreams. Focus on your school work and sooner or later the right guy will appear.

Don't let anyone not even your parents come between you and your goals.  

xoxox

Answer 7

To me it sounds like your parents are chooseing favorites.  They can't decide what is right for you and it's probably annoying to here what they want and not you.  I think it's cool what you want to be when you get older.  It is something that could lead to a lot of money making,  I am 17 and I know you must be in a rut.  Just start doing things on your own and get away from your parents make your money and get what you need.  No one needs a boyfriend or friends to move on to good things in life.  Trust me.

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