Greetings, question asker. I am Jiang 61.
I am gratified that I was able to respond to your inquiry. You inquired as to whether your family treats you as well as your younger sister.
Internal conflict: I am uncertain as to whether I should maintain my distance. I have meticulously perused your introductory remarks, grasped the nuances of your sentiments, confronted the intricacies of your predicament, and am eager to engage in discourse with you on these matters.
1. Introduction
1. During my formative years
You stated that during your youth, there were positive aspects to your upbringing, such as the autonomy afforded to you in purchasing the books you desired. Additionally, your mother engaged in activities with you, including playing outside, and intervened on your behalf when you were subjected to bullying. You also shared that your family often consumed snacks together, a practice that fostered a sense of camaraderie. Furthermore, you mentioned that your father would purchase snacks and share them with you and your sister.
"My father is somewhat harsh in his reprimands, particularly when I have inadvertently damaged a writing implement. My mother also enforces certain sartorial choices and encourages me to consume foods that I do not particularly enjoy.
On occasion, I desire to consume boiled noodles. However, my mother instructs me to procure them independently. I express my displeasure and request assistance, yet she admonishes me. Subsequently, she also declines to purchase the food I desire.
She consistently emphasized the importance of saving and avoiding impulsive spending. I did not expend the monetary gift I received for the New Year's holiday and instead returned it in its entirety.
Furthermore, the funds allocated for personal expenses during my secondary education were also remitted.
The question of equal treatment is a significant one.
In your recollection, your mother treated you and your sister with parity during your formative years. Your father, for his part, would procure an equal portion of groceries for each of you.
My mother is consistently available to provide assistance when I require it, and she fulfills my requests to meet my needs. These actions are perceived as beneficial by me.
The phenomenon of blame and coercion
Furthermore, one can discern when they are being treated in an unkind manner. The father frequently reprimands the subject for inconsequential infractions, while the mother often compels the subject to perform tasks they find disagreeable.
Furthermore, she is reluctant to provide assistance and instead encourages thriftiness.
2. Upon reaching adulthood
You stated, "Upon reaching adulthood, my mother ceased treating me in the manner she had previously. On the first day of my college enrollment, she did not take me to dinner, and subsequently, when we visited the supermarket, she purchased only one loaf of bread and inquired if I wished to consume it. I informed her that I would retain it, citing my lack of familiarity with the campus and the potential inconvenience of purchasing food. Consequently, she attributed my lack of sustenance to my own actions."
"We ventured out together to attend to a matter, and I observed what I believed to be a step. How could my mother have failed to perceive it? At that time, she was experiencing a depressive episode and was not particularly communicative, so when she fell, she attributed it to me. The year before last, my mother and my younger sister went out, and my mother stumbled slightly. My immediate response was to inquire about her well-being.
My younger sister simply continued to laugh. Nevertheless, my mother was able to identify some fault in my actions.
I seldom commended the items I purchased for her, instead choosing to laud the selections my younger sister made on her behalf.
Prior to this, I had not considered the issue in depth. However, as my younger sister matured and I commenced my professional career, I began to observe a considerable degree of partiality.
My mother would prepare meals for my younger sister whenever she desired to eat. For instance, if there was only one remaining, she would claim it was for her, regardless of whether my younger sister expressed enjoyment for the food or not.
I purchased the necessary attire for her, and I permitted her to purchase the same for my younger sister. I would not compel her to perform tasks she found disagreeable, nor would I instruct her to discard items or force her to wear attire she found disagreeable.
"
"What caused me the greatest distress was that my university and home were situated in the same province but in different cities, not too far apart. Despite suffering a sprained ankle and being unable to walk, my mother did not suggest that I return home to recuperate.
I offered to undertake the task, with the hope that they would be able to collect me, but they informed me that this was not possible. At the time, I did not have any friends, and the only person I knew was an online acquaintance who happened to have a bicycle. He agreed to take me to the school gate and then to return by taxi.
Subsequently, upon graduation from university, I was assisted with the luggage by either friends or parents, but my family was unable to provide this support. I was therefore compelled to undertake this task independently.
"I became an adult almost entirely on my own, forced to navigate the challenges of adulthood in the absence of familial support."
Subsequently, following the commencement of my employment, my younger sister fell ill and requested my assistance in accompanying her and undertaking various errands on her behalf. I indicated my willingness to comply, given her need to return for scheduled check-ups and similar commitments. I subsequently made approximately four such visits. However, she subsequently became increasingly insistent on my accompaniment on each occasion, which I found increasingly onerous.
"I subsequently sought employment at a distance."
The act of comparing oneself to others is a common phenomenon.
After you began attending university, you observed a similar pattern emerge: your parents treated you differently from your younger sister. When you sprained your ankle, for instance, your parents did not express any concern for your well-being. However, when a friend from the internet offered to take you to the station, you were able to travel to the hospital independently. In contrast, when your younger sister fell ill, your parents requested that you assume responsibility for her care.
A comparison of numerous factors leads to the conclusion that the parents exhibit a bias towards the younger sister.
The individual may feel the need to escape from the current family environment due to the aforementioned factors.
Such occurrences have transpired on numerous occasions. The individual in question experiences a sense of imbalance due to the significant amount of care and attention directed towards the younger sibling. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and a desire to seek employment elsewhere, thereby creating a distance from the familial environment.
3⃣, Thoughts
The subject expressed feelings of disappointment and a desire to distance themselves from home. However, they also experienced guilt, which they attributed to the deterioration of their relationship with their parents. They perceived a discrepancy in the level of care and attention they received compared to their younger sister.
You stated, "I am profoundly disillusioned by these circumstances. I am increasingly inclined to disassociate myself from my familial roots."
However, I frequently experience feelings of guilt, which I believe may have contributed to a deterioration in my relationship with my parents. Nevertheless, I am aware that this is not my responsibility. It is evident that my parents treat me differently and demonstrate less affection and care for me than they do for my younger sister.
"
"I am experiencing a profound internal conflict regarding the ethical implications of my current decision to remain separated from my familial home. At times, I am overcome with a sense of profound guilt."
However, had they not elected to have a second child, they might have been able to enjoy their lives to a greater extent by now.
Thoughts
The subject reports feelings of unfairness, disappointment, and emotional coldness due to perceived disparate treatment by parents toward themselves and their younger sister. This has led to contemplation of complete separation from the family.
The questioner's question reveals a number of underlying issues, the first of which is doubt.
The questioner exhibits resentment towards their parents, which causes them to stay away from home. However, they feel that this is an unproductive way of thinking, as it could potentially lead to a deterioration in their relationship with their family.
Such considerations are often the subject of introspection, with the question of culpability and the potential benefits of maintaining distance from home being particularly prominent.
2. The underlying cause of the dilemma
The question is posed in a clear and concise manner, effectively delineating the complexities and nuances of the issue at hand.
1. Psychological trauma
Psychological trauma
Psychological trauma, also referred to as trauma, is defined as an abnormal psychological, emotional, or even physical state that is caused by a relatively serious traumatic event in an individual's life. This abnormal state may be relatively mild and may resolve spontaneously after a period of self-adjustment.
Some effects of psychological trauma can persist for an extended period, frequently throughout an individual's lifetime. In psychological and psychiatric classifications, more severe forms of psychological trauma are classified as post-traumatic stress disorder.
We return to the subject of childhood.
From the description provided, it is evident that the subject is preoccupied with perceived favoritism exhibited by the parents towards the younger sibling. Following the transition to university, the subject frequently engages in self-comparisons with the younger sibling and expresses discontentment with the parents' actions. This suggests that the emotional landscape has been reoriented towards a pre-adult state.
In the absence of parental favoritism, the individual in question will be unaware that their parents do not value them. This lack of awareness leads to the subconscious expectation of greater love from parents.
2. Subject-object separation
The concept of subject-object separation refers to the differentiation between the individual's thoughts, desires, and actions, and those of external entities, such as parents. This separation occurs at the time of birth and is a fundamental aspect of psychological development.
The term "subject-object separation" is used to describe the process of differentiation between the individual's thoughts, will, and body (the "subject") and external entities, such as parents or other individuals (the "objects"). This separation occurs initially after birth.
In psychological theory, the capacity for the cognitive separation of subject and object is generally believed to emerge around the age of three. Individuals who are unable to achieve this separation often seek to exert control over their environment in order to regain the sense of oneness that they experienced in infancy. When they are unable to do so, they may experience feelings of anxiety or even hysteria. As they mature, they may become known as "infants."
The issue of separation
From the questioner's introduction, it is evident that the questioner is highly attached to her mother's meticulous care and attention. During the second separation period between the subject and the object, the separation between the subject and the object was not completed effectively, resulting in a residual separation issue.
Consequently, when one observes the caretaking of a younger sibling and compares one's own circumstances, feelings of neglect may arise.
3⃣, Subconscious
The subconscious mind
The subconscious mind refers to the part of human mental activity that is not accessible to conscious awareness. It is the process of mental activity that has already occurred but has not reached the state of consciousness.
The aforementioned events served as the catalyst for the questioner's subconscious thoughts of being ignored. These included instances such as being left unattended when they sprained their ankle and being asked to care for their younger sister when she was sick. This resulted in a subconscious desire for their parents' attention and resentment towards them.
The incidents that prompted the subject's subconscious recollections of neglect were the instances when her parents provided assistance, such as leaving her unattended when she sprained her ankle and requesting that she care for her younger sister when she was ill. These experiences led to the formation of a subconscious desire for parental attention and, subsequently, resentment towards her parents.
3. Recommendations for Action
1. It is imperative to address the aforementioned separation issue.
The process of self-differentiation
The concept of self-differentiation, also known as self-distinction or self-identification, was first proposed by Bowen, a prominent figure in the field of family therapy. It serves as the fundamental premise and the central tenet of Bowen's theory. According to Bowen's family systems theory, self-differentiation can be defined at two distinct levels: the level of internal differentiation and the level of interpersonal differentiation.
From an internal perspective, self-differentiation can be defined as an individual's capacity to distinguish between reason and emotion. This implies the ability to determine whether to be guided by reason or emotion at a given moment. From an interpersonal standpoint, self-differentiation can be understood as an individual's capacity to experience both intimacy and independence when interacting with others.
The topic of separation must now be completed.
Previously, the separation of subject and object had not been completed, and a state of emotional dependence on parents had been maintained. This resulted in an inability to differentiate oneself in response to external stimuli. Therefore, the initial step is to complete the separation from emotional dependence on parents and achieve the separation of subject and object.
Subsequently, further self-differentiation occurs.
2. Establish a Sense of Independence
The concept of independence is multifaceted and encompasses various aspects of an individual's autonomy. It can be defined as the capacity to act and make decisions without external influence or guidance. Independence is a fundamental aspect of self-determination and is closely linked to the ability to take responsibility for one's actions and well-being.
The term "sense of independence" is used to describe an individual's inclination to seek autonomy and self-reliance. It encompasses the capacity to address challenges and navigate life's complexities independently, particularly in the domains of learning, work, and social interactions. Additionally, it encompasses the ability to take responsibility for one's own well-being and self-care.
The objective is to establish a sense of independence.
In order to truly be oneself and avoid being unduly influenced by external emotions, it is essential to cultivate a sense of independence. This enables individuals to become less reliant on others for their survival and to refrain from concerning themselves with whether their parents treat their younger siblings more favourably.
3. Self-Improvement
The term "self-awareness" is used to describe the ability to recognize and understand one's own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is a complex psychological phenomenon that encompasses multiple dimensions and layers. It consists of three main components: self-knowledge, self-experience, and self-control. These components are interrelated and interdependent, forming a unified concept within the individual's self-awareness.
Self-awareness, also referred to as self-knowledge or self, is a multifaceted psychological phenomenon comprising numerous dimensions and layers. It encompasses three fundamental psychological components: self-knowledge, self-experience, and self-control. These three psychological components are intricately interrelated and interdependent, forming a unified entity within the individual's self-awareness.
The process of self-improvement
An enhanced level of self-awareness is conducive to personal growth. It facilitates a more nuanced comprehension of the external world.
It is possible to distinguish oneself from other individuals, objects, and phenomena, as well as to recognize objective entities in the external world. At the level of self-awareness, one can gain insight into one's identity and purpose, and act in a conscious and self-disciplined manner.
Concurrently, one may enhance one's personal growth through consistent self-monitoring and self-cultivation. This process enables individuals to become more autonomous and to develop into a superior version of themselves.
It is imperative that one engages in self-improvement in order to differentiate between the subject and the object. This process will prevent one from succumbing to the emotional distress associated with comparison and jealousy. It will also facilitate the dissolution of dependence and the establishment of harmonious family relationships. Ultimately, it will enable one to become their authentic self.
Ultimately, it is my hope that the questioner will lead a happy life.
Comments
I can totally relate to feeling like you're not being treated the same as your sibling. It's really tough when you feel like your efforts and sacrifices go unnoticed, while others get all the attention and support. It's hard not to question if it's worth staying close to home under those circumstances.
The way you've handled everything with such maturity is admirable. You've taken on so much responsibility, even when it was emotionally draining. It's understandable that you might feel a sense of guilt for wanting space, but sometimes distance is necessary for your own wellbeing. It's important to take care of yourself too.
It sounds like you've been through a lot, and it's natural to feel conflicted about your relationship with your parents. The fact that you still went out of your way to help your sister shows how much you care, despite everything. Maybe this distance will give everyone some time to reflect on what's truly important in the family dynamic.
Feeling distant from your parents must be really challenging, especially when you see them favoring your sister. It's a complex situation because family ties are strong, yet it's also crucial to recognize your own needs and feelings. Sometimes, creating some space can help in healing and finding a healthier balance in relationships.