See, I do and have always felt that there is something wrong with me. I was never good enough to make my parents happy, I had a younger brother who played football, won 2 state championships, played for a Big 10 college team. He didn't make pro (due to a knee injury, he WAS scouted by the Pitssburgh Steelers the year they won the Superbowl, 2006-ish?) but has a lucrative job with an oil company and now lives out by Napa Valley in a posh area of northern California. They often say how proud they are of him. Meanwhile, they tell me I should move back downstate (even when Wayne was alive) and I never should have gotten into teaching. They even introduce me to people as "Gordon's sister" never "our daughter." Likewise my daughter is always "Gordon's niece." I have confronted my parents on this, but when I did I was told it was Gordon's wedding and I shouldn't make a scene. They haven't had the chance to introduce me to anyone since, so I don't know how they would do it now. My own dad thought it was "wrong."
Ah...I know how you feel in that respect.
My Sister:Graduated at the top of her class.A homebody.NOT A REBEL.Had no interest in drivers license until 19. Didn't drink or smoke.Perfect manners.Never suspended from school.Captain of the cheerleaders.Went to a private girls college.That girl could do no wrong.Of course she was dad's favorite.(our mom died when we were very young.)
Me:SOO shy. No way I would have tried out for cheer leading or been in beauty pageants. Got driving permit at 15.Drank,smoked,suspended from school.Wanted to see a guy that was too old for me and so it was forbidden.(he was 5 yrs. older.) I rebelled and saw him anyway on the sly.Always knew that if dad had let it run its course it would have never been over 3 mos. max.I still managed to graduate as a HONOR STUDENT. Did dad EVER acknowledge? No.He was too caught up in anything/everything to do with my sister.
He bought her most anything she wanted.I was always too young for those things. I must have stayed too young cause I didn't get them at her age either.
When I was 16 and working out the money to buy my first horse I was not going to have enough before school started again so dad did pay the difference. Shocked me for sure.
Growing up with a family in which you never fit in for whatever reason can really mess with you.I know.
I do know how you feel in a lot of ways. Not pretty? I know you are but I understand that no matter how many times ppl tell you you are doesn't make it true in your mind. You will find fault with your looks anyway. Me too.I just want you to know you are not alone with your thoughts.
Old men? When I was single and used to go out it became the joke that the only men interested in me were old,hippies or nerds. Don't discount the nerds. Had a 9 yr. relationship with one and it was wonderful to be with someone that was not an idiot. Old men? I don't date now but if I can find a certain one again from my past...who knows?
Oh,and about the lonelyness. I know how it can eat at a person.I know how lonelyness can cause bad choices.I don't have any advice.In fact on this post I don't really have any advice. Just wanted you to know that I understand a lot of what you write.
I keep remembering more of your posts and keep wanting to address. Lovey dovey? Me? No.Not the bond you think you should have or want with child?
My twins were very premature.Spent a long time in the hospital.I remember the idiot doctor saying "Just look at them.You can't touch them."How can a mom bond with that deal?
When I see these moms that have the most loving way with their kids and are kid magnets,I ache inside for what I would love to have. Don't give up on the bond. My twins are adults now and we are much closer than I would have ever thought.
You have a lot going on and your trials are in my thoughts.I wish so much good for you and hope for your life to change.